moses_n or_o of_o other_o who_o write_v those_o book_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o now_o read_v of_o the_o name_n of_o place_n which_o be_v not_o give_v at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o be_v mention_v but_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n insert_v into_o the_o history_n near_o of_o kin_n to_o this_o be_v hysterosis_n another_o usual_a figure_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v when_o the_o proper_a and_o genuine_a order_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o keep_v and_o this_o be_v observable_a either_o in_o some_o single_a word_n and_o verse_n or_o in_o some_o chapter_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v gen._n 10._o 1._o where_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n be_v reckon_v in_o this_o order_n shem_fw-mi ham_n and_o japheth_n yet_o japheth_n be_v the_o elder_a brother_n it_o be_v true_a scaliger_n hold_v the_o very_a order_n of_o the_o generation_n which_o this_o verse_n set_v down_o and_o say_v shem_n be_v noah_n first-born_a and_o japheth_n his_o young_a but_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v 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pâ—rlege_n rubras_fw-la majorum_fw-la leges_fw-la at_o other_o time_n they_o make_v use_v of_o chalk_n and_o of_o coal_n both_o which_o be_v mention_v by_o 5._o persius_n illa_fw-la priùs_fw-la cretà _fw-la mox_fw-la bâ—â—c_fw-la carbone_fw-la notasti_fw-la but_o these_o be_v use_v only_o on_o special_a occasion_n and_o be_v not_o the_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o write_v therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v whole_o silent_a aâ—_n to_o this_o but_o it_o mention_n the_o write_v instrument_n that_o be_v of_o common_a use_n as_o first_o those_o which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o hard_a material_n those_o wherewith_o they_o make_v incision_n into_o stone_n wood_n etc._n etc._n according_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o use_v a_o iron_n pen_n or_o style_n and_o therewith_o cut_v what_o character_n they_o think_v fit_a in_o they_o of_o this_o we_o have_v mention_n in_o job_n 19_o 24._o where_o that_o holy_a man_n wish_n that_o his_o complaint_n be_v write_v down_o and_o record_v that_o future_a age_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o which_o moses_n or_o some_o other_o inspire_a person_n who_o digest_v and_o compile_v this_o book_n thus_o expressetâ—_n o_o that_o my_o word_n be_v engrave_v with_o a_o iron_n pen_n and_o lead_v with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o seventy_o make_v of_o iron_n and_o with_o lead_n plumbi_fw-la laminâ_fw-la as_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a a_o thin_a sheet_n or_o plate_n of_o lead_n on_o which_o they_o engrave_v letter_n with_o this_o iron_n pen._n and_o in_o the_o next_o clause_n of_o this_o verse_n he_o wish_v yet_o further_o that_o his_o word_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o rock_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o lxx_o render_v it_o ut_fw-la sculpantur_fw-la in_o silice_fw-la the_o vulgar_a latin_a follow_v the_o septuagint_n as_o it_o general_o do_v every_o where_o which_o refer_v to_o the_o ancient_a manner_n of_o write_v in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v by_o 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which_o word_n in_o other_o place_n be_v render_v a_o sceptre_n we_o read_v that_o the_o tribe_n of_o zebulon_n afford_v some_o that_o handle_v the_o pen_n of_o the_o writer_n judg._n 5._o i4_n such_o as_o be_v dexterous_a at_o this_o instrument_n such_o as_o know_v how_o to_o wield_v this_o shebet_fw-la this_o writing-scepter_n with_o art_n and_o skill_n in_o other_o place_n it_o have_v the_o same_o name_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o engrave_v pen_n thus_o it_o be_v style_v cheret_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o septuagint_n isa._n 8._o 1._o the_o pen_n of_o a_o man_n i._n e._n such_o a_o pen_n as_o man_n usual_o write_v with_o in_o those_o day_n when_o they_o write_v upon_o any_o soft_a and_o yield_a matter_n and_o that_o be_v a_o reed_n which_o be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o jer._n 8._o 8._o where_o gnet_n the_o pen_n of_o the_o scribe_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n and_o in_o psal._n 45._o 1._o where_o it_o be_v again_o call_v gnet_n the_o pen_n of_o a_o ready_a writer_n the_o same_o interpreter_n render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a calamus_fw-la which_o be_v the_o word_n use_v by_o martial_a and_o other_o for_o the_o egyptian_a reed_n which_o be_v the_o write_v pen_n in_o their_o time_n 14._o that_o chartis_fw-la habiles_fw-la calamos_fw-la memphitica_fw-la tellus_fw-la and_o aquila_n a_o learned_a jew_n who_o know_v the_o genuine_a mean_v of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n in_o this_o place_n render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n juncus_fw-la arundo_fw-la aquatica_fw-la wherewith_o they_o ancient_o write_v it_o appear_v then_o that_o egypt_n afford_v both_o paper_n and_o pen_n the_o former_a be_v of_o that_o rushy_a plant_n before_o describe_v the_o latter_a be_v of_o a_o reed_n grow_v in_o the_o same_o place_n viz._n about_o the_o river_n nile_n and_o the_o fenny_a part_n of_o egypt_n which_o be_v dry_v and_o harden_v and_o convenient_o shape_v be_v the_o usual_a instrument_n of_o write_v before_o the_o invention_n of_o quill_n it_o be_v so_o make_v that_o it_o will_v contain_v and_o convey_v in_o it_o a_o black_a sort_n of_o liquor_n which_o answer_v to_o our_o ink_n which_o we_o use_v at_o this_o day_n into_o which_o they_o use_v to_o dip_v it_o to_o this_o ancient_a writing_n with_o ink_n or_o such_o like_a dark_a substance_n some_o have_v think_v ezek._n 9_o 2._o have_v reference_n where_o we_o read_v of_o the_o writer_n inkhorn_n but_o though_o the_o hebrew_n word_n be_v render_v atramentarium_fw-la by_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a yet_o in_o its_o original_a signification_n it_o have_v no_o reference_n to_o that_o particular_a thing_n but_o may_v be_v translate_v a_o pen-case_n or_o a_o writing-table_n as_o well_o as_o a_o inkhorn_n from_o the_o bare_a sound_n of_o the_o english_a word_n we_o can_v infer_v the_o thing_n itself_o we_o may_v as_o well_o affirm_v the_o art_n of_o printing_n be_v find_v out_o and_o practise_v in_o iob_n day_n because_o he_o wish_v that_o his_o word_n be_v print_v in_o a_o book_n job_n 19_o 23._o but_o there_o be_v a_o place_n to_o our_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v jer._n 36._o 18._o i_o write_v they_o i._n e._n the_o word_n which_o jeremy_n speak_v with_o ink_n in_o a_o book_n the_o ancient_a way_n of_o writing_n appear_v from_o what_o baruch_n here_o say_v that_o he_o write_v ieremiah_n prophecy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d atramento_fw-la which_o be_v the_o black_a and_o inky_a matter_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v lay_v on_o by_o his_o pen_n in_o writing_n this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v 2_o cor._n 3._o 3_o 2_o ep._n john_n v._n 12._o and_o again_o 3_o epist._n v_o 13._o where_o it_o be_v join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o show_v what_o be_v at_o that_o time_n the_o way_n of_o writing_n viz._n with_o reed-pen_n dip_v in_o ink_n which_o as_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o pliny_n and_o persius_n be_v various_o prepare_v the_o greek_n and_o roman_n make_v it_o of_o soot_n say_v the_o 5._o former_a of_o these_o writer_n and_o from_o he_o and_o 3._o persius_n we_o learn_v that_o the_o african_n use_v the_o dark_a excrementitious_a humour_n which_o the_o sepia_n afford_v they_o and_o other_o black_a juice_n serve_v for_o ink_n in_o other_o country_n thus_o the_o most_o ancient_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o authentic_a memoir_n concern_v letter_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o write_v be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a penman_n thus_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o grammar_n and_o the_o root_n of_o all_o learning_n be_v lay_v here_o next_o unto_o grammar_n i_o may_v mention_v history_n the_o first_o father_n of_o which_o be_v moses_n who_o write_n begin_v the_o bible_n all_o that_o i_o will_v say_v of_o he_o under_o this_o present_a character_n be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v sole_o indebt_v to_o he_o for_o our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o transaction_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o write_v before_o all_o other_o historian_n so_o he_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o none_o beside_o do_v wherefore_o his_o book_n be_v the_o key_n of_o all_o history_n to_o he_o be_v add_v other_o who_o be_v not_o only_o of_o admire_a antiquity_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v prize_v as_o much_o for_o the_o admirable_a and_o various_a matter_n they_o communicate_v here_o be_v excellent_a historical_a passage_n of_o all_o sort_n religious_a and_o civil_a sacred_a and_o profane_a foreign_a and_o domestic_a relate_v to_o politic_n and_o economic_n to_o public_a and_o private_a affair_n yea_o the_o historiae_fw-la title_n of_o procopius_n history_n belong_v only_a and_o proper_o to_o these_o sacred_a chronicle_n for_o here_o the_o secret_n and_o depth_n of_o all_o ancient_a occurrence_n be_v
part_n of_o it_o extant_a before_o there_o be_v any_o writer_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o borrow_v from_o other_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o this_o book_n this_o be_v the_o particular_a commendation_n of_o these_o write_n that_o they_o be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o and_o can_v not_o be_v take_v from_o any_o else_o these_o holy_a scripture_n borrow_v from_o none_o unless_o you_o will_v say_v they_o do_v so_o from_o themselves_o as_o the_o 18_o psalm_n be_v take_v out_o of_o 2_o sam._n 22._o or_o this_o out_o of_o that_o the_o evangelist_n borrow_v from_o one_o another_o the_o virgin_n mary_n magnificat_fw-la refer_v in_o several_a place_n of_o it_o to_o hannab_n song_n 1_o sam._n 2_o and_o st._n paul_n take_v some_o thing_n out_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o epbesians_n and_o put_v they_o into_o that_o which_o he_o write_v to_o the_o colossian_n and_o so_o sy_n jude_n may_v be_v say_v to_o borrow_v from_o st._n peter_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o plagiarism_n which_o other_o writer_n be_v guilty_a of_o and_o which_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o want_n and_o defect_n whereas_o the_o holy_a spirit_n supply_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o bible_n both_o with_o matter_n and_o word_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n especial_o and_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v nothing_o at_o second_o hand_n all_o be_v fresh_a and_o new_a thâ—_n thing_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v never_o deliver_v by_o any_o writer_n before_o but_o most_o of_o the_o profane_a historian_n begin_v when_o the_o holy_a history_n be_v just_a end_n and_o herodotus_n himself_o the_o father_n of_o history_n write_v not_o till_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n time_n the_o greeâ—_n historian_n go_v no_o further_a back_n than_o the_o persjan_a eâ—piâ—e_n and_o most_o of_o the_o roman_a history_n take_v not_o its_o rise_n so_o high_a indeed_o the_o egyptian_n boast_v that_o they_o have_v be_v rule_v by_o king_n above_o ten_o 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world_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v from_o he_o alone_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a pagan_n have_v a_o hint_n of_o this_o and_o travel_v into_o the_o eastern_a country_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o these_o record_n and_o it_o be_v observe_v long_o since_o by_o plato_n as_o i_o take_v notice_n before_o that_o the_o old_a and_o most_o barbarous_a tongue_n mean_v the_o hebrew_n and_o chaldee_n be_v very_o requisite_a for_o the_o find_v out_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o first_o name_n of_o they_o which_o be_v now_o grow_v obsolete_a by_o length_n of_o time_n be_v preserve_v in_o those_o language_n they_o be_v the_o ancient_a of_o all_o in_o the_o hebrew_n especial_o be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o primitive_a origines_fw-la of_o thing_n and_o most_o of_o the_o pagan_a historiou_n have_v borrow_v from_o these_o and_o so_o have_v their_o poâ—ts_n orator_n and_o philosopher_n as_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o christian_a father_n who_o i_o have_v particular_o quote_v in_o another_o place_n to_o evince_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v large_o prove_v in_o a_o word_n all_o other_o ancient_a write_n refer_v to_o these_o or_o suppose_v they_o this_o inspire_a volume_n alone_o be_v the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o either_o they_o or_o we_o can_v derive_v any_o truth_n and_o certainty_n and_o as_o there_o be_v the_o ancient_a learning_n so_o there_o be_v all_o learning_n i_o speak_v now_o of_o that_o which_o be_v humane_a and_o be_v reckon_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o rational_a person_n and_o all_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o in_o this_o book_n of_o book_n here_o be_v not_o only_a prose_n but_o verse_n here_o be_v not_o only_a poem_n but_o history_n annal_n chronicle_n here_o be_v thing_n profound_a and_o mystical_a and_o here_o be_v other_o that_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n be_v intelligible_a and_o clear_a here_o be_v prophecy_n vision_n revelation_n for_o even_o in_o the_o narratives_n which_o be_v give_v of_o these_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n serviceable_a to_o promote_v the_o study_n of_o humanity_n here_o be_v proverb_n adage_n emblem_n parable_n apologue_n paradox_n riddle_n and_o here_o be_v also_o plain_a question_n and_o answer_n proposition_n discourse_n sermon_n oration_n letter_n epistle_n colloquy_n debate_n disputation_n here_o be_v maxim_n of_o law_n and_o reason_n rule_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n example_n of_o keen_a wit_n and_o deep_a politic_n matter_n of_o church_n and_o state_n public_a and_o private_a affair_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o subject_n either_o treat_v of_o or_o refer_v unto_o thus_o the_o bible_n be_v excellent_o sit_v to_o entertain_v any_o person_n as_o they_o be_v student_n and_o scholar_n for_o here_o be_v a_o treasury_n of_o all_o good_a letter_n here_o be_v lay_v up_o all_o thing_n that_o conduce_v to_o humane_a knowledge_n porphyrius_n be_v say_v to_o have_v write_v a_o book_n suid._n of_o homer_n philosophy_n wherein_o he_o attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v as_o much_o 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this_o venturous_a widow_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a instance_n and_o not_o to_o be_v imitate_v by_o other_o female_n here_o be_v remarkable_a the_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o afflict_a the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a the_o reward_n of_o constancy_n and_o obedience_n the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o trust_n in_o he_o beside_o here_o be_v observable_a the_o ancient_n right_o of_o kinsman_n and_o of_o redemption_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o buy_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o decease_a with_o other_o thing_n of_o great_a antiquity_n nay_o this_o be_v more_o than_o private_a history_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o pious_a woman_n ruth_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o obed_n the_o father_n of_o jesse_n the_o father_n of_o david_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o you_o find_v she_o insert_v into_o his_o genealogy_n by_o st._n matthew_n again_o ruth_n a_o moabitish_a woman_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o lot_n be_v a_o type_n or_o rather_o indeed_o a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o private_a concern_v but_o of_o the_o large_a extent_n imaginable_a the_o two_o book_n of_o samuel_n be_v public_a history_n the_o former_a whereof_o contain_v thing_n do_v under_o the_o two_o last_o judge_n eli_n and_o samuel_n and_o under_o the_o first_o king_n who_o be_v saul_n as_o also_o the_o act_n of_o david_n while_o he_o live_v under_o saul_n here_o be_v a_o narrative_a of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o judge_n into_o king_n of_o the_o republic_n or_o aristocracy_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o a_o monarchy_n and_o of_o the_o great_a and_o many_o evil_n which_o they_o suffer_v as_o consequent_a upon_o it_o all_o worthy_a of_o our_o serious_a perusal_n and_o consideration_n here_o be_v a_o account_n of_o their_o new_a king_n be_v be_v depose_v by_o god_n viz._n for_o his_o rash_a and_o profane_a sacrifice_v and_o his_o wilful_a disobey_v the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o amalekite_n and_o whatever_o belong_v to_o they_o the_o latter_a book_n â—s_v whole_o spend_v in_o the_o history_n of_o king_n david_n reign_n that_o be_v his_o act_n after_o saul_n death_n these_o â—re_n either_o his_o military_a act_n his_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a and_o sometime_o successful_a erterprise_n in_o war_n or_o his_o political_a act_n show_v in_o the_o wise_a administration_n of_o civil_a government_n or_o his_o ecclesiastical_a and_o religious_a undertake_n which_o respect_v 〈◊〉_d church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o day_n with_o these_o be_v mix_v the_o great_a fail_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o that_o king_n which_o be_v as_o particular_o record_v as_o his_o other_o act_n and_o as_o
close_a of_o it_o when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o judgement_n thus_o i_o have_v attempt_v to_o evince_v the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n by_o enumerate_v all_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n and_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o they_o these_o excellent_a and_o incomparable_a book_n be_v the_o true_a pandect_n indeed_o the_o book_n that_o comprehend_v all_o that_o treat_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a they_o be_v the_o most_o valuable_a collection_n of_o write_n under_o heaven_n they_o be_v of_o all_o the_o book_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n because_o they_o be_v our_o infallible_a rule_n and_o sure_a guide_n to_o wisdom_n holiness_n and_o blessedness_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n here_o and_o of_o the_o most_o eligible_a hereafter_o if_o this_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v before_o do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v complete_v and_o perfect_a i_o despair_v of_o ever_o tell_v you_o what_o will_n chap._n xi_o none_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v lose_v not_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n nor_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o the_o book_n of_o jasher_n nor_o the_o act_n of_o vzziah_n a_o account_n of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o seer_n the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n the_o book_n of_o gad_n the_o seer_n the_o book_n of_o iddo_n the_o book_n of_o shemaiah_n jehu_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o solomon_n mention_v king_n 4._o 32._o 33._o objection_n draw_v from_o jam._n 4._o 5._o from_o luke_n 11._o 49._o from_o act_n 20._o 35._o from_o judeu._n 14._o from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 9_o from_o col._n 4._o 16._o full_o satisfy_v other_o objection_n from_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 6_o 12_o 25_o 2_o cor._n 8._o 8._o &_o 11._o 17._o particular_o answer_v but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o demonstated_a truth_n yet_o it_o be_v question_v and_o doubt_v of_o 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angry_a with_o any_o man_n that_o deny_v that_o there_o any_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n miss_v now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a there_o be_v ground_n to_o complain_v of_o a_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o book_n that_o therefore_o which_o i_o be_o to_o undertake_v here_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o what_o be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o and_o be_v real_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v not_o defective_a that_o the_o body_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v not_o maim_a and_o imperfect_a first_o as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n mention_v in_o exod._n 24._o 7._o which_o some_o fancy_n be_v lose_v it_o be_v not_o any_o distinct_a book_n from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n if_o we_o impartial_o weigh_v the_o place_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o collection_n or_o volume_n of_o those_o several_a injunction_n and_o institution_n which_o we_o read_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n viz._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o which_o god_n deliver_v to_o moses_n on_o the_o mount_n it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n deâ—t_n 31._o 9_o that_o which_o have_v cause_v a_o different_a persuasion_n in_o some_o be_v this_o that_o these_o law_n be_v call_v a_o book_n but_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o evident_a afterward_o that_o this_o appellation_n be_v of_o a_o great_a latitude_n and_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o sort_n of_o write_v by_o the_o hebrew_n second_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n numb_a 21._o 14._o which_o be_v think_v to_o be_v now_o want_v the_o answer_v give_v by_o some_o be_v that_o this_o be_v a_o apocrypbal_a author_n and_o so_o can_v be_v say_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o book_n do_v not_o argue_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o though_o this_o way_n of_o solution_n be_v tolerable_a when_o make_v use_v of_o as_o to_o some_o other_o book_n hereafter_o mention_v yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o use_v it_o here_o because_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o test._n learned_a english_a rabbi_n that_o moses_n refer_v here_o to_o himself_o and_o a_o book_n of_o his_o own_o compose_n for_o we_o read_v that_o upon_o the_o discomfiture_n of_o amalek_n god_n command_v moses_n to_o write_v it_o for_o a_o memorial_n in_o a_o book_n exod._n 17._o 14._o and_o as_o it_o follow_v to_o rehearse_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o joshua_n so_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v some_o book_n of_o direction_n write_v by_o moses_n for_o ioshua_n manage_v of_o the_o war_n after_o he_o thus_o this_o learned_a writer_n make_v this_o book_n only_o to_o be_v of_o private_a use_n and_o dictate_v by_o a_o ordinary_a not_o a_o divine_a spirit_n wherefore_o it_o can_v be_v one_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o though_o it_o be_v lose_v yet_o no_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v lose_v hereby_o but_o from_o what_o i_o shall_v propound_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v find_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n in_o this_o place_n mention_v be_v one_o of_o the_o receive_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i._n e._n it_o be_v the_o book_n of_o judge_n which_o deserve_o have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o it_o recount_v those_o warlike_a erterprise_n which_o those_o heroic_a spirit_n stir_v up_o by_o god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n be_v famous_a for_o or_o milchamoth_n jehovah_n the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o great_a wonderful_a and_o renown_a war_n for_o perhaps_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v use_v here_o as_o in_o several_a other_o place_n to_o augment_v the_o sense_n and_o to_o express_v the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n fight_v by_o the_o valiant_a jew_n to_o any_o one_o that_o consult_v the_o text_n together_o with_o the_o 26_o v_o of_o that_o chapter_n it_o will_v plain_o appear_v that_o this_o passage_n particular_o refer_v to_o the_o 11_o chapter_n of_o judge_n v_o 15_o 16_o 17._o but_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o moses_n who_o be_v dead_a long_o before_o can_v write_v this_o i_o answer_v though_o he_o undoubted_o write_v the_o book_n of_o number_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n yet_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o this_o and_o the_o other_o book_n may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v insert_v afterward_o by_o some_o other_o inspire_a person_n as_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o advertise_v before_o ezra_n it_o be_v likely_a revise_v this_o book_n add_v this_o of_o what_o god_n do_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o at_o the_o brook_n of_o arnon_n and_o to_o give_v yet_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n to_o this_o scruple_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o though_o we_o translate_v the_o text_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n etc._n etc._n yet_o in_o the_o original_a the_o verb_n be_v in_o the_o future_a tense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d diceture_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v and_o so_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n he_o here_o foretell_v that_o afterward_o it_o shall_v be_v commemorate_a how_o god_n fight_v for_o his_o people_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v at_o solemn_a time_n a_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o jewish_a war_n than_o this_o passage_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o mind_n and_o make_v mention_n of_o and_o then_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o these_o two_o verse_n not_o as_o cite_v
act_n 20._o 35._o it_o 〈◊〉_d more_o bless_v to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v be_v recite_v as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n yet_o we_o find_v they_o not_o record_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o our_o bless_a master_n frequent_o utter_v word_n that_o be_v of_o the_o like_a import_n as_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v or_o rather_o i_o conceive_v we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o he_o speak_v this_o very_a sentence_n for_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o what_o be_v here_o quote_v be_v not_o only_o call_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o this_o be_v add_v how_o he_o say_v to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o he_o say_v these_o very_a word_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o many_o the_o like_a excellent_a say_n and_o aphorism_n he_o prenounce_v which_o as_o well_o as_o innumerable_a action_n that_o he_o do_v be_v keep_v in_o remembrance_n by_o the_o apostle_n but_o be_v not_o write_v down_o of_o which_o st._n john_n speak_v ch_n 20._o v._n 30._o &_o 21._o 25._o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v hence_o that_o any_o book_n belong_v to_o the_o sacred_a canon_n be_v lose_v as_o for_o the_o objection_n ground_v on_o st._n jude_n v_o 14._o viz._n that_o eâ—och's_n book_n which_o be_v quote_v by_o this_o apostle_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v canonical_a it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v quote_v by_o he_o be_v lose_v some_o as_o origen_n jerom_n augustine_n grant_v it_o to_o be_v so_o but_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v canonical_a it_o be_v their_o judgement_n that_o st._n jude_n may_v if_o he_o think_v â—it_a allege_v a_o apocryphal_a writer_n but_o according_a to_o my_o apprehension_n the_o brief_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n there_o of_o any_o book_n or_o write_v of_o â—â—och_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v infer_v thence_o that_o â—ny_n book_n or_o write_v of_o his_o be_v lose_v it_o be_v only_o say_v he_o prophesy_v say_v etc._n etc._n which_o he_o may_v do_v and_o questionless_a do_v without_o pen_v down_o any_o of_o hiâ—_n prophetical_a say_n but_o they_o be_v transmit_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n jude_n insert_v this_o into_o his_o epistle_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o be_v concern_v that_o a_o book_n of_o enooh_o be_v mention_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o have_v several_a spurious_a author_n among_o they_o and_o as_o a_o pin_n learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o sorbon_n observe_v all_o the_o father_n exâ—â—pt_a terâ—ullian_n reckon_v this_o that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o enoch_n as_o such_o but_o be_v not_o some_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n want_v see_v there_o be_v a_o three_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o order_n the_o first_o i_o â—rote_v unto_o you_o in_o a_o epistle_n not_o to_o keep_v company_n with_o â—ornicators_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 9_o therefore_o it_o appear_v hence_o that_o there_o be_v another_o before_o this_o which_o pass_v common_o for_o the_o first_o but_o this_o be_v not_o extant_a for_o we_o have_v now_o but_o two_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o that_o â—lessed_a apostle_n answ._n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o more_o for_o when_o he_o say_v he_o write_v to_o they_o in_o a_o epistle_n he_o mean_v this_o very_o first_o epistle_n he_o be_v now_o write_v he_o refer_v to_o what_o he_o have_v say_v bâ—fore_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o that_o chapter_n and_o the_o meaning_n be_v when_o i_o even_o now_o write_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o epistle_n ver_fw-la 2._o not_o to_o keep_v company_n with_o fornicator_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o fornicator_n of_o this_o world_n thus_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o theophylact_fw-mi interpret_v the_o place_n but_o if_o i_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o vary_v from_o those_o excellent_a father_n i_o will_v propound_v one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n of_o understand_v the_o apostle_n word_n first_o it_o may_v be_v he_o have_v reference_n here_o to_o what_o he_o say_v afterward_o in_o this_o epistle_n ch_n 6_o v._n 13._o and_o again_o v_o 18._o &_o ch_n 7._o v._n 2._o where_o he_o write_v to_o they_o to_o avoid_v fornication_n wherefore_o upon_o read_v over_o this_o epistle_n after_o he_o have_v finish_v it_o he_o think_v good_a to_o insert_v this_o and_o to_o take_v notice_n here_o of_o what_o he_o say_v afterward_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v say_v he_o write_v to_o yâ—â—_n in_o this_o epistle_n viz._n in_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n against_o fornication_n and_o join_v yourselves_o to_o person_n that_o be_v note_v for_o that_o vice_n or_o else_o i_o conceive_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v put_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o preterite_n for_o the_o present_a tense_n of_o which_o there_o be_v very_o near_o a_o hundred_o instance_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o all_o man_n verse_v in_o criticism_n know_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v in_o this_o very_a epistle_n ch_n 9_o v._n 15._o neither_o have_v i_o write_v these_o thing_n i._n e._n at_o this_o time_n in_o this_o epistle_n that_o i_o be_o now_o write_v this_o any_o man_n that_o consult_v the_o context_n will_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v equivalent_a with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o you_o will_v find_v the_o word_n must_v be_v take_v in_o the_o one_a epistle_n of_o st._n john_n 2d_o chapter_n you_o will_v see_v and_o be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v_o 12_o 13._o be_v express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v_o 14_o 21._o and_o thus_o in_o the_o text_n that_o be_v before_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o other_o than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n i_o write_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o epistle_n not_o to_o etc._n etc._n which_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v render_v so_o be_v evident_a from_o ver_fw-la 11._o which_o be_v but_o a_o repetition_n or_o reassumption_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o the_o adverb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d show_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o present_a instant_a time_n though_o the_o greek_a verb_n be_v in_o the_o praeterit_fw-la this_o than_o i_o offer_v as_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n and_o context_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o o_o corinthian_n in_o this_o my_o letter_n not_o to_o be_v mingle_v so_o the_o word_n proper_o denote_v with_o fornicator_n or_o with_o the_o covetous_a or_o extortioner_n or_o idolater_n for_o than_o you_o must_v needs_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o mean_v that_o you_o shall_v avoid_v the_o company_n of_o a_o brother_n i._n e._n a_o profess_a christian_n if_o he_o be_v give_v to_o fornication_n covetousness_n extortion_n or_o idolatry_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o at_o this_o time_n write_v and_o signify_v to_o you_o so_o that_o you_o see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v instead_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o simple_a and_o plain_a tenor_n of_o the_o word_n may_v convince_v any_o man_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a translation_n both_o of_o the_o former_a and_o latter_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v i_o write_v which_o make_v the_o apostle_n sense_n clear_a and_o perspicuous_a i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o sagacity_n whether_o this_o account_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o exact_o adjust_v to_o grammar_n and_o criticism_n to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o context_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n viz._n utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o surmise_n of_o a_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n before_o this_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v here_o write_v if_o the_o learned_a drusius_n or_o the_o excellent_a grotius_n have_v weigh_v these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v suggest_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v have_v change_v their_o mind_n they_o will_v not_o have_v cry_v out_o that_o this_o epistle_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v lose_v but_o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n write_v 〈◊〉_d epistle_n to_o the_o laodiceans_n as_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o câ—l_n 4._o 16._o which_o be_v want_v at_o this_o day_n that_o be_v although_o iâ—_n be_v extant_a and_o allow_v of_o by_o somâ—_n author_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o put_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherefore_o the_o canon_n be_v
before_o it_o it_o be_v not_o sit_v that_o the_o same_o word_n shall_v have_v two_o diverse_a readins_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n in_o v_o 6_o 8_o 9_o let_v live_v creature_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o margin_n and_o be_v set_v in_o the_o text_n itself_o in_o the_o place_n of_o beast_n which_o be_v not_o a_o sit_v word_n for_o those_o that_o be_v represent_v by_o that_o vision_n especial_o when_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o be_v the_o word_n which_o be_v right_o translate_v the_o beast_n in_o this_o book_n in_o ch_z 11._o v._n 17._o those_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o right_o render_v which_o art_n and_o waste_v and_o be_v to_o come_v but_o thus_o who_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v in_o ch_z 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o v_o 13._o be_v translate_v wonder_v in_o the_o 14_o miracle_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v correct_v for_o the_o reason_n so_o often_o give_v viz._n because_o the_o same_o greek_a word_n shall_v be_v render_v by_o the_o same_o english_a one_o if_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a cause_n for_o the_o contrary_n in_o ch_z 14._o v._n 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v render_v with_o they_o their_o work_v follow_v with_o they_o in_o ch_z 16._o v._n 12._o the_o way_n of_o the_o king_n who_o be_v from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o true_a and_o literal_a version_n of_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o in_o our_o present_a english_a translation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v absorp_v these_o be_v the_o several_a place_n which_o i_o conceive_v aught_o to_o be_v alter_v and_o translate_v more_o exact_o i_o say_v not_o this_o to_o impair_v or_o derogate_v from_o the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o our_o english_a translation_n much_o less_o to_o condemn_v the_o present_a edition_n or_o to_o expose_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o but_o my_o design_n be_v to_o represent_v they_o in_o their_o native_a excellency_n and_o purity_n and_o to_o contribute_v by_o this_o critical_a essay_n towards_o so_o worthy_a a_o end_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v more_o commend_v the_o holy_a writ_n than_o a_o exact_a translation_n i._n e._n such_o a_o one_o as_o faithful_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o express_a text_n of_o scripture_n wherefore_o i_o humble_o offer_v the_o forementioned_a place_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a and_o leave_v the_o whole_a or_o part_n to_o be_v approve_v or_o reject_v as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a perhaps_o when_o our_o church-affair_n be_v settle_v this_o will_v not_o seem_v unworthy_a of_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o convocation_n who_o i_o question_v not_o will_v see_v that_o the_o revise_v and_o correct_v of_o our_o english_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o all_o or_o in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n and_o in_o several_a other_o which_o i_o have_v not_o here_o propound_v be_v very_o requisite_a it_o be_v my_o judgement_n 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that_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o may_v add_v something_o concern_v the_o division_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o chapter_n and_o verse_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o moses_n the_o prophet_n evangelist_n and_o apostle_n write_v their_o book_n without_o any_o such_o partition_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o all_o other_o writer_n of_o old_a but_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v divide_v afterward_o into_o parashes_n before_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o this_o distribution_n of_o they_o be_v often_o mention_v in_o the_o talmud_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o more_o methodical_a read_n of_o they_o in_o the_o synagogue_n some_o of_o the_o 3._o greek_a father_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o distribution_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v make_v before_o their_o time_n for_o they_o mention_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o daniel_n jerom_n speak_v of_o a_o pericope_n of_o jeremiah_n yea_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o this_o sort_n of_o section_n or_o parashes_n be_v mention_v in_o act_n 8._o 32._o and_o be_v call_v there_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o book_n of_o the_o evanglist_n and_o apostle_n be_v afterward_o divide_v into_o certain_a section_n by_o some_o of_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n for_o the_o more_o convenient_a read_n of_o they_o herein_o imitate_v the_o jew_n who_o have_v do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n these_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o lazaro_n eastern_a father_n and_o lectiones_fw-la by_o the_o latin_a one_o they_o be_v the_o same_o that_o we_o call_v chapter_n verse_n be_v also_o ancient_a but_o not_o the_o same_o that_o be_v at_o present_a nor_o be_v all_o the_o book_n so_o divide_v st._n jerom_n tell_v we_o he_o distribute_v the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n and_o that_o of_o ezekiel_n into_o verse_n and_o some_o of_o thâ—_n book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v thus_o divide_v particular_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n be_v part_v into_o these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o origen_n as_o galat._n jerom_n inform_v we_o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o these_o partition_n whether_o into_o chapter_n or_o verse_n wâ—re_v very_o much_o different_a from_o what_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a as_o heinsius_n and_o some_o other_o critic_n out_o of_o suidas_n relate_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v divide_v into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v gather_v from_o the_o account_n which_o they_o give_v of_o these_o two_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v the_o division_n of_o a_o book_n into_o chapter_n and_o the_o latter_a into_o verse_n or_o some_o such_o small_a portion_n though_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v a_o quite_o different_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o great_a division_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lesser_a as_o to_o the_o division_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n consist_v of_o 39_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 27_o of_o the_o new_a into_o distinct_a chapter_n as_o they_o be_v now_o among_o we_o viz._n 779_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 260_o in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v make_v by_o lanfrank_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n about_o the_o year_n 1060_o other_o say_v by_o stephen_n langton_n who_o be_v archbishop_n of_o the_o same_o see_v in_o k._n john_n time_n about_o the_o year_n 1200._o it_o be_v say_v by_o other_o that_o cardinal_n hugo_n twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n afterward_o be_v the_o first_o that_o contrive_v the_o distinction_n of_o chapter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o fit_v the_o hebrew_n text_n to_o the_o concordance_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o he_o be_v author_n of_o the_o divide_v of_o chapter_n into_o verse_n be_v more_o late_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o industrious_a and_o learned_a robert_n stephens_n about_o eightscore_o year_n since_o but_o whoever_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o this_o division_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o chapter_n and_o verse_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o right_o make_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o 10_o chap._n of_o isaiah_n shall_v not_o be_v cut_v of_o from_o the_o 9th_o chapter_n for_o it_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o 5_o v_o of_o the_o 10_o chap._n which_o be_v so_o now_o the_o 9th_o shall_v end_v and_o many_o other_o chapter_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v ill_o divide_v but_o especial_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n one_o may_v see_v that_o the_o distinction_n of_o chapter_n and_o verse_n now_o in_o
import_n signify_v a_o dispose_n of_o something_o be_v most_o commoâ—â—ly_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o disposal_n as_o be_v either_o by_o covenâ—â—_n or_o testament_n hence_o it_o be_v sometime_o render_v 〈◊〉_d covenant_n and_o sometime_o a_o testament_n especial_o among_o the_o lawyer_n the_o latter_a sense_n prevail_v and_o according_o you_o will_v find_v that_o a_o last_o will_v and_o testament_n be_v express_v by_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o imperial_a institution_n and_o other_o law-book_n translate_v into_o greek_a we_o may_v here_o join_v both_o sense_n together_o for_o what_o god_n have_v agree_v to_o by_o covenant_n with_o man_n that_o christ_n bequeath_v and_o give_v by_o testament_n now_o we_o must_v prove_v both_o these_o i._n e._n we_o must_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o covenant_n and_o testament_n be_v true_a before_o we_o can_v receive_v any_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n from_o they_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o evidence_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v this_o covenant_n and_o this_o testament_n otherwise_o we_o can_v build_v nothing_o upon_o they_o here_o then_o i._o i_o will_v evince_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o great_a basis_n of_o all_o theology_n ii_o after_o i_o have_v large_o insist_v on_o this_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o style_n and_o phrase_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n iii_o i_o will_v advance_v yet_o far_o and_o demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o they_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a undertake_n be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o handle_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o and_o concise_o make_v use_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v common_o insist_v upon_o by_o learned_a writer_n till_o i_o come_v to_o fix_v upon_o a_o topick_n which_o be_v not_o common_o yea_o which_o be_v very_o rare_o and_o by_o the_o by_o use_v in_o this_o cause_n and_o this_o i_o will_v pursue_v very_o large_o and_o full_o i_o hope_v with_o some_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v many_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o embrace_v by_o we_o as_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n some_o of_o these_o argument_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n be_v in_o common_a with_o those_o that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n on_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o insist_v at_o another_o time_n but_o my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v to_o propound_v those_o which_o be_v more_o peculiarly_a and_o proper_o fit_v to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o these_o be_v either_o internal_a or_o external_n the_o internal_a one_o i_o call_v those_o which_o be_v either_o in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o or_o in_o vs._n the_o character_n of_o divinity_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v in_o themselves_o be_v either_o their_o matter_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o write_v they_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o here_o i_o will_v mention_v only_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o the_o sublime_a doctrine_n and_o verity_n which_o be_v in_o holy_a writ_n in_o read_v this_o book_n we_o meet_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o come_v from_o any_o but_o god_n himself_o in_o other_o write_n which_o be_v most_o applaud_v the_o choice_a thing_n which_o entertain_v our_o mind_n be_v the_o excellent_a moral_a notion_n and_o precept_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o we_o which_o be_v all_o the_o result_n of_o improve_v reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n but_o here_o be_v beside_o these_o notice_n of_o a_o peculiar_a nature_n and_o such_o as_o be_v above_o our_o natural_a capacity_n and_o invention_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o these_o write_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o eternal_a decree_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o blood_n the_o whole_a method_n of_o man_n salvation_n the_o stupendous_a providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n the_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o the_o raise_n of_o all_o man_n out_o of_o their_o ash_n these_o and_o several_a other_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o come_v from_o any_o but_o god_n they_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o character_n of_o divinity_n as_o be_v no_o common_a and_o obvious_a matter_n but_o such_o as_o be_v tower_a and_o lofty_a hide_a and_o abstruse_a and_o not_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n a_o god_n be_v plain_o discover_v in_o they_o for_o the_o most_o improve_v creature_n can_v never_o have_v reach_v to_o this_o pitch_n any_o serious_a and_o think_v man_n can_v but_o discern_v the_o peculiar_a turn_v and_o singular_a contrivance_n of_o these_o mysterious_a doctrine_n which_o argue_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a we_o may_v therefore_o believe_v the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o of_o the_o wonderful_a height_n and_o sublimity_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o 2._o the_o exact_a purity_n and_o holiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o be_v enjoin_v in_o these_o write_n be_v another_o testimony_n of_o their_o be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o though_o some_o other_o book_n dictate_v religion_n and_o piety_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o true_a and_o just_a measure_n of_o they_o be_v take_v original_o from_o this_o one_o exact_a standard_n which_o be_v prior_n to_o they_o all_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o beside_o the_o love_n and_o charity_n the_o humility_n meekness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n which_o the_o scripture_n describe_v to_o we_o far_o exceed_v the_o most_o advantageous_a representation_n the_o most_o exalt_a idea_n which_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n give_v of_o they_o these_o therefore_o be_v emphatical_o and_o eminent_o call_v by_o st._n paul_n the_o holy_a scripture_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o because_o they_o breathe_v the_o most_o consummate_a goodness_n and_o piety_n and_o that_o antecedent_o to_o all_o write_n whatsoever_o because_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o advance_v holiness_n and_o that_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o be_v to_o promote_v protrept_n sanctity_n of_o life_n to_o make_v we_o every_o way_n better_o and_o even_o to_o render_v we_o *_o like_o god_n himself_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v intend_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o display_v the_o heavenly_a purity_n and_o thereby_o to_o commend_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o with_o sincere_a and_o humble_a mind_n we_o peruse_v this_o book_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o bless_a result_n of_o it_o it_o will_v marvellous_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n especial_o of_o god_n unspotted_a holiness_n it_o will_v tincture_n our_o mind_n with_o religion_n it_o will_v pervade_v all_o our_o faculty_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o godliness_n and_o it_o will_v thorough_o cleanse_v and_o sanctify_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n but_o because_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v more_o of_o this_o when_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v now_o dismiss_v it_o 3._o to_o the_o matter_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v refer_v the_o prophecios_fw-la and_o prediction_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o these_o i_o reckon_v another_o internal_a argument_n because_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o what_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o very_a scripture_n itself_o what_o a_o vast_a number_n be_v there_o of_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o find_v fulfil_v and_o according_o be_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o scripture_n here_o i_o will_v a_o little_a enlarge_v and_o first_o i_o will_v begâ—n_v with_o that_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o noah_n 27._o god_n shall_v enlarge_v japhet_n and_o he_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n and_o canaan_n shall_v be_v his_o servant_n where_o be_v foretell_v thing_n that_o happen_v above_o two_o thousand_o year_n afterward_o for_o the_o posterity_n of_o japheth_n viz._n the_o european_n especial_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n among_o other_o conquest_n gain_v the_o possession_n of_o judea_n and_o other_o eastern_a country_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o shem._n again_o it_o be_v fulfil_v thus_o by_o christ_n come_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o by_o his_o
proposition_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v gain_v the_o assent_n of_o any_o intelligent_a and_o sober_a person_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o prophecy_n and_o what_o they_o aim_v at_o we_o must_v needs_o own_v they_o to_o be_v from_o he_o to_o who_o all_o future_a thing_n be_v present_a and_o who_o be_v the_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foreseer_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o holy_a scripture_n have_v deliver_v be_v actual_o come_v to_o pass_v we_o may_v with_o reason_n conclude_v that_o their_o write_n be_v not_o forgery_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o penman_n of_o they_o be_v inspire_a person_n that_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n which_o be_v a_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o their_o authority_n these_o thing_n be_v thus_o foretell_v so_o long_o before_o and_o be_v exact_o verify_v since_o it_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o the_o book_n which_o contain_v these_o prediction_n and_o be_v found_v on_o they_o be_v true_a and_o certain_a these_o prediction_n come_v from_o god_n be_v a_o aâ—_n red_a proof_n that_o these_o write_n be_v indict_v he_o they_o be_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o they_o thiâ—_n that_o which_o a_o ancient_a father_n long_o since_o deliverâ—_n 6._o the_o foretell_v of_o future_a thing_n say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d characteristic_a note_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n 〈◊〉_d the_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v aboâ—â—_n humane_a nature_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o 〈◊〉_d only_o â—e_v effect_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o divine_a â—â—â—rit_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o impregnaâ—_n maxim_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o fâ—_n fill_v of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o divine_a proof_n of_o 〈◊〉_d truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a grouâ—_n to_o we_o of_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o goâ—_n thus_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 〈◊〉_d have_v undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o authority_n aâ—_n truth_n of_o they_o again_o the_o manner_n of_o these_o write_n be_v another_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o they_o theâ—_n be_v not_o write_v as_o other_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n do_v not_o speak_v after_o the_o raâ—â—â—_n of_o other_o writer_n how_o admirable_a be_v the_o simplâ—_n city_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o these_o man_n all_o along_o theâ—_n do_v not_o hide_v their_o own_o or_o other_o fail_n yea_o eveâ—_n when_o they_o be_v very_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a thuâ—_n moses_n record_v not_o only_a noah_n drunkenness_n and_o lot_n incest_n but_o his_o own_o rash_a anger_n and_o unbelief_n and_o david_n register_n in_o the_o 51st_o psalm_n his_o own_o murder_n and_o adultery_n jeremiah_n relate_v his_o own_o unbecoming_a fear_n discontent_n and_o murmur_n chap._n 20._o 7_o 8_o 14._o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n conceal_v not_o the_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n 〈◊〉_d the_o gross_a miscarriage_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o â—heir_a brethren_n as_o their_o cowardly_a leave_v of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d his_o passion_n john_n fall_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o a_o anâ—el_n to_o worship_v he_o thomas_z his_o infidelity_n johnâ—nd_n â—nd_z james_n the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n their_o unseasonable_a ambition_n peter_n deny_v of_o christ_n even_o with_o perjury_n this_o free_a and_o plain_a deal_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n show_v that_o â—hey_n be_v not_o the_o write_n of_o men._n a_o man_n may_v â—ee_n that_o there_o be_v no_o worldly_a and_o sinister_a design_n â—â—rried_v on_o in_o they_o but_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v whole_o intend_v by_o their_o impartial_a discovery_n of_o â—he_n truth_n which_o be_v long_o since_o take_v notice_n of_o â—y_a 1._o arnobius_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o cavil_v of_o the_o pagan_n hat_n the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v by_o poor_a 〈◊〉_d people_n and_o in_o a_o simple_a manner_n therefore_o â—aith_o he_o it_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v credit_v because_o they_o write_v so_o indifferent_o and_o impartial_o and_o out_o of_o simplicity_n this_o impartiality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o they_o be_v a_o irrefragable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o write_n and_o here_o also_o you_o will_v find_v a_o excellent_a and_o admirable_a composition_n of_o simplicity_n and_o majesty_n together_o though_o the_o strain_n be_v high_a and_o lofty_a yet_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v humble_a and_o condescend_v to_o which_o purpose_n a_o learned_a father_n say_v well_o 5._o the_o language_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v low_a but_o the_o sense_n be_v sublime_a and_o heavenly_a whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o phrase_n of_o heathen_a writer_n be_v splendid_a but_o the_o thing_n couch_v in_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o mean_n the_o scripture-writer_n make_v it_o not_o their_o work_n to_o set_v off_o and_o commend_v thâ—_n write_n by_o be_v elaborate_v and_o exact_v hâ—_n be_v no_o set_a discourse_n no_o point_a argument_n 〈◊〉_d affect_a strain_n of_o logic_n tryph._n the_o writer_n 〈◊〉_d the_o bible_n say_v another_o ancient_a father_n do_v 〈◊〉_d make_v their_o write_n in_o a_o way_n of_o demonstration_n these_o unquestionable_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v above_o all_o demonstration_n nor_o shall_v yâ—â—_n find_v here_o that_o the_o writer_n strain_v for_o elegancy_n and_o florid_n expression_n as_o other_o author_n be_v wonâ—_n here_o be_v no_o quaint_a and_o curious_a method_n no_o formâ—_n transition_n no_o court_v of_o the_o reader_n no_o unnecessary_a pageantry_n of_o rhetoric_n to_o gain_v admiration_n and_o attention_n especial_o the_o style_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v not_o tumid_a and_o affect_v but_o plain_a and_o simple_a and_o scorn_v the_o ornament_n and_o embellishment_n of_o fancy_n for_o as_o a_o 1._o oâ—_n christian_n say_v right_o truth_n need_v no_o fucus_n anâ—_n artifice_n and_o therefore_o the_o sense_n not_o word_n be_v mind_v in_o scripture_n all_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v please_v with_o this_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n of_o the_o holy_a style_n of_o which_o there_o be_v a_o memorable_a instance_n in_o a_o 11._o ecclesiastical_a historian_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o spiridion_n a_o notable_a confessor_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n reprove_v one_o tryphilius_fw-la a_o eloquent_a man_n and_o convert_v by_o he_o to_o christianity_n some_o time_n before_o because_o speak_v one_o time_n in_o the_o famous_a council_n of_o nice_a he_o do_v instead_o of_o those_o wordâ—_n of_o christ_n 9_o tolle_n grabatum_fw-la tuum_fw-la say_v tolle_o lectum_fw-la tuum_fw-la humilem_fw-la he_o reprove_v he_o i_o say_v and_o that_o very_o sharp_o for_o disdain_v to_o use_v the_o word_n which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o use_v it_o be_v true_a the_o word_n of_o scripture_n seem_v sometime_o to_o be_v common_a and_o rude_a and_o altogether_o ungraceful_a sometime_o i_o say_v for_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o destitute_a of_o its_o grace_n of_o speech_n but_o that_o seem_a commonness_n and_o rudeness_n be_v great_a token_n of_o the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n gregory_n the_o great_a excuse_v the_o plainness_n and_o rudeness_n of_o his_o style_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o job_n profess_v that_o leandrum_fw-la he_o think_v it_o unworthy_a of_o and_o unbecoming_a the_o heavenly_a oracle_n to_o restrain_v they_o to_o the_o nice_a rule_n of_o grammar_n sure_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o bible_n may_v say_v so_o with_o more_o reason_n it_o become_v they_o not_o to_o stand_v upon_o those_o nicety_n and_o formality_n of_o speech_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o other_o author_n for_o it_o be_v fit_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o difference_n between_o humane_a write_n and_o divine_a i_o agree_v with_o a_o late_a ingenious_a author_n who_o declare_v that_o scripture_n it_o fit_v not_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o book_n this_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o humane_a law_n of_o method_n and_o niceness_n of_o art_n inspire_a write_n must_v not_o be_v like_o those_o of_o men._n the_o singular_a grace_n of_o these_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o artificial_a and_o study_a but_o simple_a plain_a and_o careless_a and_o that_o their_o whole_a frame_n and_o contexture_n be_v not_o such_o as_o we_o a_o artificial_a method_n be_v below_o the_o majesty_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o dictate_v they_o this_o will_v debase_v the_o scripture_n and_o equal_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o men._n wherefore_o the_o often_o i_o look_v into_o that_o sacred_a volume_n and_o the_o more_o i_o observe_v it_o the_o more_o i_o be_o convince_v that_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v whole_o direct_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n for_o take_v any_o of_o the_o book_n either_o doctrinal_a
or_o their_o conform_v to_o the_o dialect_n of_o their_o country_n for_o these_o be_v consistent_a with_o that_o isaiah_n be_v a_o courtier_n and_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n have_v a_o neat_a and_o elegant_a style_n and_o yet_o so_o as_o he_o know_v how_o to_o vary_v it_o according_a to_o the_o matter_n he_o treat_v of_o but_o general_o he_o be_v lofty_a and_o eloquent_a his_o style_n be_v raise_v by_o his_o education_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o noble_a extraction_n for_o he_o be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal._n jeremiah_n and_o amos_n be_v use_v to_o the_o country_n be_v mean_a and_o homely_a in_o their_o language_n the_o latter_a especial_o discover_v his_o condition_n and_o way_n of_o life_n in_o his_o low_a and_o rural_a strain_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n st._n luke_n who_o have_v improve_v himself_o by_o art_n and_o study_n be_v very_o observant_a of_o the_o greek_a elegancy_n and_o avoid_v all_o improper_a and_o exotic_a term_n in_o his_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o acts._n indeed_o the_o style_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n be_v very_o different_a and_o that_o difference_n be_v a_o excellency_n in_o this_o book_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v this_o the_o writer_n leave_v not_o off_o their_o peculiar_a style_n though_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o this_o furnish_v they_o with_o new_a expression_n so_o it_o let_v they_o make_v use_n of_o their_o own_o usual_a one_o but_o immediate_o direct_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o apply_v of_o they_o so_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o they_o use_v their_o natural_a style_n they_o be_v divine_o help_v to_o make_v it_o serviceable_a to_o that_o purpose_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o style_n and_o word_n and_o composure_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n be_v such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v reckon_v divine_a for_o this_o be_v one_o difference_n between_o this_o book_n and_o other_o that_o every_o thing_n of_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o therefore_o those_o person_n who_o dream_v of_o solecisâ—â—_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o great_a soleciser_n themselves_o but_o especial_o those_o who_o assert_v there_o be_v mistake_v and_o literal_a falsity_n in_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v utter_o to_o be_v condemn_v such_o be_v 4._o episcopius_n who_o dare_v affirm_v that_o the_o spirit_n leave_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o their_o own_o humane_a frailty_n in_o deliver_v such_o thing_n as_o belong_v to_o circumstance_n of_o a_o fact_n their_o knowledge_n and_o memory_n be_v deficient_a and_o fallible_a the_o spirit_n do_v not_o tell_v st._n john_n how_o many_o furlong_n christ_n disciple_n go_v chap._n 6._o 19_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v assert_v he_o say_v as_o to_o some_o name_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o before_o this_o you_o be_v tell_v by_o erasmus_n â—â—o_o other_o that_o the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d in_o some_o light_a thing_n not_o that_o they_o will_v falsity_n but_o that_o they_o may_v forget_v some_o passage_n melchior_n canus_n be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o considerable_a slip_v in_o scripture_n from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n memory_n yea_o among_o the_o ancient_a father_n there_o be_v 50._o one_o who_o more_o gross_o hold_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n sometime_o abuse_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o they_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o present_a purpose_n although_o they_o be_v nothing_o to_o it_o thus_o st._n paul_n he_o say_v quote_v the_o old_a testament_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n galatian_n and_o ephesian_n only_o to_o serve_v his_o turn_n and_o to_o confute_v the_o jew_n his_o adversary_n read_v say_v he_o these_o epistle_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n be_v whole_o on_o the_o polemic_a part_n and_o rufin_n you_o will_v see_v how_o prudent_o and_o dissemble_o he_o act_v in_o those_o text_n which_o he_o cit_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o at_o other_o time_n this_o bold_a man_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v set_v down_o wrong_n this_o be_v no_o less_o than_o profane_a and_o blasphemous_a doctrine_n wherefore_o that_o father_n be_v to_o be_v read_v with_o great_a caution_n in_o such_o place_n as_o these_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_n assert_v that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o author_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o content_n of_o holy_a writ_n but_o also_o of_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n yea_o even_o when_o those_o writer_n express_v their_o sense_n in_o their_o own_o term_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o way_n and_o dialect_n which_o they_o be_v master_n of_o and_o which_o be_v most_o familiar_a to_o they_o even_o than_o they_o be_v immediate_o assist_v 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o this_o book_n may_v have_v no_o error_n and_o fail_n in_o it_o of_o any_o kind_n but_o that_o it_o may_v transcend_v all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o if_o you_o do_v not_o hold_v this_o you_o make_v no_o considerable_a difference_n between_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o other_o write_n therefore_o i_o be_o thorough_o convince_v that_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v maintain_v viz._n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n indict_v the_o very_a style_n of_o scripture_n that_o even_o this_o be_v by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o writing_n i_o may_v well_o annex_v its_o harmony_n and_o thence_o also_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a though_o there_o be_v several_a seem_a repugnancy_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o in_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n and_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v they_o up_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o every_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n yet_o it_o can_v but_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o this_o book_n do_v entire_o agree_v and_o be_v consistent_a with_o one_o another_o this_o in_o other_o book_n which_o be_v compose_v and_o write_v by_o one_o author_n be_v not_o so_o admirable_a though_o in_o those_o piece_n we_o oftentimes_o meet_v with_o very_o palpable_a disagreement_n and_o contradiction_n but_o here_o we_o be_v able_a to_o remember_v that_o notwithstanding_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o different_a person_n and_o those_o many_o in_o number_n and_o disagree_v in_o quality_n and_o extreme_o distant_a as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n yet_o their_o write_n contradict_v not_o one_o another_o but_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a harmony_n in_o all_o their_o part_n there_o be_v a_o perfect_a concord_n and_o consent_n among_o they_o all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o author_n in_o the_o world_n though_o of_o the_o same_o sect_n and_o party_n excellent_o to_o this_o purpose_n a_o very_a wise_a and_o judicious_a ourselves_o man_n thus_o speak_v when_o several_a man_n in_o several_a age_n not_o bring_v up_o under_o the_o same_o education_n write_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v unity_n in_o their_o tenant_n or_o position_n because_o their_o spirit_n judgement_n and_o fancy_n be_v different_a but_o where_o so_o many_o several_a author_n speak_v and_o write_v at_o several_a time_n agree_v not_o only_o in_o matter_n dogmatical_a of_o sublime_a and_o difficult_a nature_n but_o also_o in_o prediction_n of_o future_a and_o contingent_a event_n whereof_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o humane_a understanding_n to_o make_v a_o discovery_n without_o a_o superior_a discovery_n make_v to_o it_o i_o must_v needs_o conclude_v one_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n declare_v the_o same_o truth_n to_o these_o several_a men._n and_o as_o to_o the_o seem_a contrariety_n of_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o trouble_n we_o for_o this_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o writer_n do_v not_o combine_v together_o to_o cheat_v and_o delude_v we_o if_o they_o have_v design_v any_o such_o thing_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v meet_v with_o any_o difficult_a and_o seem_o repugnant_a place_n in_o these_o write_n but_o see_v we_o do_v so_o this_o among_o other_o thing_n may_v confirm_v we_o in_o this_o belief_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o contrive_v by_o man_n who_o have_v a_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v have_v such_o a_o design_n they_o will_v have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o not_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o contradiction_n and_o difference_n shall_v have_v be_v find_v but_o true_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o proceed_v thus_o in_o this_o discourse_n for_o to_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o industrious_a enquirer_n there_o be_v
nothing_o in_o scripture_n that_o look_v like_o inconsistent_a and_o contradictory_n upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n we_o shall_v discern_v a_o mutual_a correspondence_n in_o the_o style_n matter_n and_o design_n of_o these_o write_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o happy_a concurrence_n of_o circumstance_n and_o a_o admirable_a consistency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discourse_n in_o so_o much_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o upon_o this_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o these_o write_n be_v indict_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o harmony_n then_o of_o the_o scripture_n i_o may_v just_o reckon_v among_o the_o inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v adjoin_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o which_o be_v of_o the_o very_a intrinsic_a nature_n of_o it_o what_o justinian_n profess_v and_o promise_v concern_v his_o digest_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o clash_v and_o 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be_v attest_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n witness_v in_o we_o but_o when_o i_o say_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o must_v adjoin_v this_o that_o this_o proof_n serve_v only_o for_o those_o that_o have_v this_o spirit_n it_o may_v establish_v they_o but_o it_o can_v convince_v other_o no_o other_o man_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v convince_a i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o beside_o this_o proof_n be_v not_o in_o all_o that_o real_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o book_n some_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o without_o this_o but_o where_o this_o be_v it_o be_v most_o powerful_a and_o convictive_a and_o surpass_v all_o other_o degreâ—_n of_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v no_o such_o câ—tain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o holy_a wâ—_n thing_n as_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d the_o heart_n of_o man_n produce_v there_o in_o a_o ration_n â—_o way_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a 〈◊〉_d our_o faculty_n chap._n ii_o external_n proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scriptureâ—_n viz._n the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o they_o and_o universal_a tradition_n which_o latter_a be_v defend_v against_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o that_o talk_v of_o a_o new_a character_n wherein_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v thâ—_n jewish_a masore_v attest_n the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v not_o corrupt_v the_o point_n or_o vowel_n be_v coexistent_a with_o the_o letter_n f._n simon_n be_v notion_n of_o abbreviate_a the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n reject_v the_o new_a tement_n vouch_v by_o the_o unanimous_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o
reason_n why_o the_o apocryphal_a write_n be_v not_o receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n make_v by_o the_o romanist_n second_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o external_n testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v add_v to_o those_o argument_n which_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a in_o themselves_o will_n exceed_o corroborate_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o book_n and_o here_o i_o may_v mention_v the_o testimony_n give_v to_o they_o by_o god_n in_o the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o they_o through_o all_o age_n since_o they_o be_v first_o write_v in_o all_o the_o change_n of_o affair_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o so_o many_o city_n and_o kingdom_n that_o incomparable_a treasure_n have_v not_o be_v lose_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v keep_v untouched_a and_o inviolable_a at_o the_o sack_n and_o burn_v of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o 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scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o universal_a tradition_n and_o this_o tradition_n be_v both_o of_o jew_n and_o christian_n and_o what_o will_v a_o man_n desire_v more_o in_o a_o humane_a way_n for_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n from_o the_o joint_a attestation_n of_o these_o witness_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o book_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o true_a copy_n of_o the_o first_o original_n that_o the_o same_o book_n and_o author_n be_v faithful_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o which_o be_v first_o of_o all_o deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o these_o write_n as_o we_o now_o have_v they_o that_o be_v falsify_v or_o corrupt_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o name_n of_o which_o be_v as_o follow_v genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n number_n deuteronomy_n joshuâ—_n judge_n ruth_n the_o one_a and_o 2d_o book_n of_o samuel_n thâ—_n one_a and_o 2d_o book_n of_o king_n though_o one_a and_o 2d_o book_n 〈◊〉_d chronicle_n ezra_n nehemiah_n esther_n job_n the_o psalm_n proverb_n ecclesiaste_n the_o song_n of_o solomon_n the_o foâ—â—_n great_a prophet_n and_o the_o twelve_o lesser_n these_o and_o none_o but_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o canâ—_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n oâ—_n the_o jew_n who_o testimony_n be_v very_a authentics_n here_o yea_o indeed_o we_o can_v have_v a_o better_a they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a writing_n that_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o they_o to_o be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v and_o they_o further_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o different_a person_n and_o at_o diverse_a time_n be_v first_o compile_v and_o collect_v into_o one_o body_n or_o volume_n by_o ezra_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o doctor_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o time_n be_v not_o constitute_v till_o ezra_n day_n by_o the_o great_a synagogue_n as_o they_o call_v it_o upon_o his_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n he_o undertake_v this_o good_a work_n he_o gather_v together_o all_o those_o disperse_a book_n before_o name_v and_o after_o he_o have_v review_v they_o he_o public_o own_v and_o solemn_o vouch_v the_o authority_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o that_o the_o church_n for_o the_o future_a may_v not_o doubt_v of_o their_o be_v authentic_a and_o true_a but_o some_o add_v here_o by_o way_n of_o objection_n that_o this_o holy_a man_n cause_v these_o book_n to_o be_v write_v over_o in_o a_o new_a character_n because_o the_o jew_n have_v lose_v their_o knowledge_n of_o the_o former_a one_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o consequent_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o eusebius_n and_o jerom_n be_v allege_v for_o this_o especial_o the_o latter_a who_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o the_o samaritan_n character_n be_v the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n in_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v first_o write_v and_o that_o it_o be_v first_o change_v by_o ezrd_n after_o the_o return_n from_o babylon_n he_o write_v â—he_v sacred_a volume_n over_o in_o assyrian_a or_o chaldee_n letter_n and_o neglect_v the_o old_a hebrew_n one_o which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o samaritan_n be_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v they_o say_v because_o the_o jew_n be_v best_o acquaint_v with_o this_o character_n at_o that_o time_n and_o some_o walton_n modern_a writer_n be_v gain_v over_o to_o this_o opinion_n who_o talk_v much_o of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o character_n and_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o first_o and_o old_a letter_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v samaritan_n but_o that_o those_o which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v assyrian_n and_o of_o quite_o another_o sort_n but_o upon_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n i_o find_v little_a or_o no_o foundation_n for_o this_o opinion_n it_o rather_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o invention_n and_o dream_n of_o those_o who_o design_n to_o disparage_v the_o hebrew_n bible_n they_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o original_a be_v impair_v because_o we_o have_v it_o not_o now_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n for_o the_o old_a bible_n be_v in_o samaritan_n letter_n these_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a hebrew_a character_n this_o be_v like_o the_o story_n of_o the_o hebrew_n point_n be_v invent_v five_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n of_o which_o afterward_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n namely_o to_o discredit_v the_o hebrew_n text_n which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o whole_o to_o take_v away_o its_o authority_n for_o if_o the_o letter_n be_v change_v it_o be_v probable_a some_o word_n and_o consequent_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o place_n be_v alter_v but_o that_o this_o be_v groundless_a and_o that_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o character_n now_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o you_o will_v find_v very_o large_o and_o convince_o prove_v by_o the_o famous_a hebr._n buxtorf_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o talmud_n especial_o the_o gemara_n 〈◊〉_d the_o cabala_n from_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o most_o notâ—_n rabbin_n of_o old_a and_o of_o the_o learned_a modern_a jeâ—â—_n as_o aben_n ezra_n r._n solomon_n r._n ben_n maimon_n &_o â—_o who_o without_o doubt_n be_v very_o competent_a judge_n 〈◊〉_d this_o case_n to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v several_a of_o 〈◊〉_d christian_a persuasion_n as_o picus_n mirandula_n f._n juniâ—_n skikkard_n postellus_n with_o those_o three_o eminent_a person_n of_o our_o own_o country_n nic._n fuller_n broughtâ—â—_n lightfoot_n if_o you_o consult_v these_o they_o will_v satisfy_v you_o that_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n which_o we_o have_v now_o in_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o primitive_a one_o the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v of_o old_a but_o to_o give_v you_o my_o thought_n impartial_o in_o this_o point_n i_o do_v belieuâ—_v from_o what_o i_o find_v assert_v by_o writer_n on_o both_o side_n that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o character_n use_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o cubit_n and_o shekel_n the_o sacred_a and_o common_a and_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o samaritan_n letter_n be_v of_o the_o latter_a sort_n that_o which_o be_v common_o use_v and_o even_o sometime_o in_o transcribe_v the_o bible_n but_o the_o sacred_a character_n in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v this_o which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o in_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v at_o this_o day_n this_o be_v the_o true_a original_a hebrew_n letter_n and_o be_v use_v from_o the_o begin_n by_o they_o this_o i_o think_v may_v reconcile_v the_o dispute_n among_o writer_n for_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v perceive_v the_o quarrel_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o there_o be_v
frequent_a mention_n make_v in_o jewish_n and_o other_o author_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v in_o a_o old_a samaritan_n character_n whence_o it_o be_v infer_v by_o some_o that_o this_o be_v the_o primitive_a character_n wherein_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v and_o consequent_o that_o this_o which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v not_o the_o true_a genuine_a character_n but_o i_o answer_v this_o do_v not_o follow_v for_o this_o samaritan_n vulgar_a character_n be_v not_o the_o first_o and_o ancient_a though_o it_o be_v sometime_o in_o use_n but_o the_o sacred_a character_n now_o call_v the_o hebrew_n character_n be_v real_o such_o and_o be_v the_o true_a and_o most_o ancient_a letter_n wherein_o this_o holy_a book_n be_v write_v this_o be_v the_o authentic_a letter_n which_o god_n himself_o grave_v the_o law_n in_o and_o thence_o have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o sacred_a character_n but_o the_o other_o call_v the_o common_a and_o vulgar_a be_v not_o in_o that_o esteem_n it_o be_v a_o deviation_n from_o that_o primitive_a one_o and_o yet_o to_o speak_v free_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o character_n the_o latter_a be_v only_o some_o variation_n and_o degeneracy_n from_o the_o former_a which_o happen_v by_o length_n of_o time_n this_o be_v the_o real_a truth_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o it_o solve_v the_o controversy_n and_o end_v all_o the_o dispute_n on_o both_o side_n and_o the_o learned_a french_a critic_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n come_v over_o at_o last_o to_o this_o when_o bible_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o critic_n to_o dispute_v so_o fierce_o about_o the_o first_o hebrew_n character_n for_o if_o we_o attentive_o consider_v and_o compare_v together_o the_o samaritan_n and_o hebrew_n character_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o origine_fw-la and_o he_o grant_v also_o that_o it_o be_v from_o the_o succession_n of_o so_o many_o age_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o produce_v some_o alteration_n that_o there_o have_v be_v this_o variation_n from_o their_o first_o figure_n but_o this_o be_v inconsiderable_a so_o that_o both_o character_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o same_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n then_o to_o think_v that_o ezra_n change_v the_o character_n but_o that_o he_o only_o amend_v the_o defect_n and_o slip_v which_o he_o find_v in_o the_o hebrew_n for_o by_o consult_v and_o compare_v the_o several_a copy_n he_o purge_v they_o from_o the_o error_n and_o mistake_v which_o be_v contract_v in_o the_o time_n of_o thâ—_n captivity_n and_o after_o he_o have_v cause_v the_o book_n 〈◊〉_d be_v fair_o write_v out_o he_o put_v they_o into_o that_o order_n in_o which_o now_o they_o be_v place_v and_o so_o he_o may_v bâ—_n say_v to_o be_v the_o composer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o that_o model_n we_o see_v it_o now_o in_o and_o from_o his_o revise_v the_o book_n and_o mend_v they_o by_o compare_v of_o copy_n be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o keri_n and_o chetib_n as_o most_o of_o the_o learneâ—_n jew_n assert_v for_o where_o the_o copy_n disagree_v oâ—_n where_o two_o readins_n be_v probable_a there_o werâ—_n make_v variae_fw-la lectiones_fw-la the_o one_o be_v put_v into_o thâ—_n margin_n and_o be_v call_v lectio_fw-la keri_n the_o other_o into_o thâ—_n text_n and_o be_v call_v scriptio_fw-la chetib_n i_o know_v some_o ascribe_v these_o not_o to_o ezra_n but_o to_o the_o doctor_n of_o tiberiasâ—_n but_o here_o as_o before_z i_o be_o willing_a to_o compromise_v the_o quarrel_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v ascribe_v theâ—_n to_o both_o they_o be_v begin_v by_o ezra_n and_o augment_v by_o the_o other_o afterward_o this_o be_v one_o waâ—_n to_o keep_v the_o bible_n entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a and_o bâ—_n the_o favour_n of_o divine_a providence_n it_o have_v be_v transmit_v so_o to_o we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n also_o the_o canon_n 〈◊〉_d scripture_n be_v digest_v into_o partition_n and_o division_n as_o now_o it_o be_v and_o there_o be_v then_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o masorah_n or_o masore_v which_o become_v afterward_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a cabala_n which_o abouâ—_n the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 494_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v by_o some_o skilful_a grammarian_n and_o have_v beeâ—_n very_o useful_a for_o preserve_v the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v three_o several_a species_n of_o this_o cabala_n 〈◊〉_d they_o tell_v we_o the_o first_o be_v gematria_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o mathematical_a consideration_n of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o mystical_a number_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o a_o account_n of_o the_o great_a and_o little_a letter_n in_o word_n the_o second_o be_v notariaca_n a_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n from_o certain_a note_n character_n line_n and_o point_n belong_v to_o the_o hebrew_n text._n more_o particular_o noteriekon_v or_o notaricon_n or_o notariaca_n for_o i_o find_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o different_o express_v d_o in_o writer_n be_v when_o one_o letter_n stand_v for_o a_o whole_a word_n this_o way_n of_o cabalize_a give_v the_o name_n to_o judas_n maccabaeus_n who_o write_v on_o his_o standard_n and_o ensign_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o abbreviature_n or_o first_o letter_n of_o those_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d exod._n 15._o 11._o and_o by_o put_v vowel_n to_o the_o consonant_n they_o read_v it_o maccabi_n the_o three_o be_v temurah_n mutatio_fw-la which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o transposition_n of_o the_o same_o letter_n whence_o another_o word_n arise_v which_o explain_v the_o word_n that_o be_v transpose_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v explain_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d terra_n which_o contain_v the_o same_o letter_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d noah_n be_v say_v to_o have_v find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grace_n or_o favour_n gen._n 6._o 8._o the_o letter_n be_v the_o same_o but_o transpose_v so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d exod._n 23._o 23._o be_v by_o metathesis_n expound_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dan._n 12._o 1._o i._n e._n the_o messiah_n say_v the_o jewish_a doctor_n but_o the_o first_o and_o second_o way_n of_o cabalize_a which_o obtain_v the_o name_n of_o masore_v be_v the_o most_o considerable_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n these_o critical_a observation_n on_o the_o bible_n make_v of_o old_a and_o deliver_v from_o one_o to_o another_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o traderâ—_n denomination_n treat_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o letter_n why_o some_o word_n be_v in_o great_a other_o in_o lesser_a character_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o great_a vau_fw-fr levit._n 11._o 42._o so_o they_o observe_v there_o be_v a_o open_a man_n at_o the_o end_n of_o a_o word_n in_o neh._n 2._o 13._o and_o a_o close_a man_n in_o the_o middle_n in_o isa._n 9_o 7._o the_o masorite_n likewise_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o likeness_n and_o difference_n of_o word_n by_o similitude_n oâ—_n diversity_n of_o letter_n and_o point_n they_o have_v madâ—_n remark_n on_o irregular_a and_o extraordinary_a pointing_n they_o have_v observe_v the_o variety_n of_o accent_n and_o so_o criticize_v on_o all_o these_o in_o the_o several_a placeâ—_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o there_o can_v be_v 〈◊〉_d change_v make_v in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n but_o it_o muâ—â—_n be_v present_o see_v in_o this_o masore_v on_o the_o hebreâ—_n text_n they_o have_v reckon_v which_o verse_n in_o thâ—_n psalm_n be_v the_o middle_a one_o and_o which_o letter_n be_v thâ—_n middle_a letter_n in_o that_o whole_a book_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o thâ—_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o psal._n 80._o 13._o yea_o they_o hauâ—_n count_v all_o the_o verse_n and_o word_n all_o the_o accentâ—â—_n letter_n and_o vowel_n that_o be_v in_o every_o single_a bookâ—_n from_o which_o critical_a enumeration_n those_o transcrâ—bers_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v call_v by_o the_o jew_n sopheriâ—_n i_o e._n numberer_n and_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o every_o volume_n they_o have_v set_v down_o the_o exact_a number_n of_o 〈◊〉_d these_o and_o at_o last_o they_o reckon_v how_o many_o there_o aâ—_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n fathâ—â—_n simon_n indeed_o say_v they_o mistake_v in_o their_o accompâ—â—_n but_o that_o be_v more_o than_o he_o prove_v and_o i_o do_v 〈◊〉_d think_v he_o ever_o take_v the_o pain_n as_o great_a a_o criticâ—â—_n on_o the_o bible_n as_o he_o be_v to_o cast_v they_o up_o there_o 〈◊〉_d good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o jewish_a critic_n 〈◊〉_d the_o old_a testament_n be_v more_o to_o be_v credit_v in_o 〈◊〉_d particular_a than_o the_o french_a one_o however_o froâ—_n what_o have_v
be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o jew_n weâ—â—_n very_o careful_a and_o studious_a very_o exact_a and_o curioâ—â—_n in_o scripture_n by_o which_o mean_v it_o happen_v that_o theâ—_n be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o make_v any_o alteration_n in_o 〈◊〉_d without_o be_v discover_v that_o be_v the_o only_a reâ—son_n of_o my_o allege_v here_o the_o masoretic_n note_n 〈◊〉_d i_o undertake_v not_o to_o defend_v the_o superstitious_a râ—â—marks_n and_o criticism_n of_o the_o masorite_n i_o applaud_v not_o their_o laborious_a nicety_n their_o childish_a transmutation_n and_o shufl_v of_o letter_n and_o syllable_n their_o trifle_a annotation_n on_o the_o figure_n and_o make_v of_o some_o hebrew_n letter_n but_o i_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o make_v these_o critical_a man_n to_o be_v very_o serviceable_a towards_o the_o preserve_a the_o bible_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o its_o purity_n the_o observation_n of_o these_o masoretic_n doctor_n who_o be_v person_n of_o great_a skill_n in_o the_o language_n and_o well_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o ancient_a copy_n and_o manuscript_n and_o who_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o exact_o number_v all_o the_o verse_n word_n letter_n and_o even_o the_o minute_a part_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n have_v be_v a_o great_a security_n and_o preservative_n to_o it_o they_o have_v keep_v it_o undeprave_v and_o uncorrupt_a and_o have_v make_v the_o read_n of_o it_o certain_a and_o unalterable_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o that_o excellent_a and_o noble_a personage_n the_o learned_a picus_n mirandula_n so_o high_o extol_v the_o hebrew_n cabala_n without_o doubt_n he_o see_v this_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n in_o it_o nay_o before_o these_o doctor_n of_o tiberias_n draw_v up_o their_o masoretic_n note_n there_o be_v it_o be_v probable_a extant_a something_o of_o this_o nature_n they_o have_v before_o this_o time_n some_o account_n not_o only_o of_o all_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o of_o all_o the_o apices_fw-la of_o they_o for_o to_o this_o our_o saviour_n allude_v in_o mat._n 5._o 18._o not_o one_o jot_n or_o one_o 〈◊〉_d tittle_n which_o latter_a be_v mean_v of_o those_o little_a horn_n prick_n and_o dot_n belong_v to_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n not_o only_o the_o small_a letter_n as_o jod_n but_o the_o cut_n of_o those_o letter_n be_v diligent_o observe_v by_o the_o masoretic_n jew_n and_o this_o their_o nice_a and_o almost_o fond_a criticism_n be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n entire_a and_o unchanged_a thus_o the_o masore_v as_o they_o express_v it_o be_v a_o hedge_n or_o fence_n to_o the_o law_n theâ—_n critical_a note_n and_o remark_n of_o the_o old_a jew_n hauâ—_n preserve_v the_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n from_o be_v corrupt_v and_o abuse_v so_o that_o we_o may_v from_o henâ—_n gather_v that_o we_o have_v in_o our_o hand_n the_o same_o heâ—brew_n text_n which_o be_v at_o first_o give_v by_o god_n to_o 〈◊〉_d people_n but_o some_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n 〈◊〉_d bâ—rnt_v at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o the_o temple_n be_v 〈◊〉_d that_o ezra_n after_o the_o captivity_n dictate_v and_o write_v 〈◊〉_d over_o again_o according_a to_o what_o we_o find_v recordâ—â—_n in_o 2_o esdras_n 14._o 21_o 23_o 24._o so_o there_o be_v some_o recovery_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o original_a book_n beinâ—_n lose_v it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o â—aults_n and_o mistake_v in_o this_o which_o we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d present_a i_o answer_v either_o this_o passage_n in_o the_o aâ—pocryphal_a writer_n speak_v of_o some_o other_o book_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n or_o it_o be_v to_o bâ—_n reckon_v as_o fabulous_a and_o supposititious_a and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d creditâ—_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o for_o in_o nehem._n 8._o 2_o 3._o there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v bring_v before_o the_o congregation_n and_o its_o be_v read_v before_o 〈◊〉_d man_n and_o the_o woman_n but_o not_o a_o syllable_n of_o the_o maâ—tâ—r_n mention_v in_o esdras_n be_v hero_n to_o be_v find_v yes_o it_o be_v imply_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o what_o the_o chaldean_n destroy_v and_o burn_v and_o carry_v away_o at_o the_o take_n of_o jerusâ—â—em_n but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n which_o most_o certain_o will_v have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o be_v of_o so_o inestimable_a a_o vaâ—â—â—_n morcover_v if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v the_o law_n be_v burn_v in_o the_o temple_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o copy_n of_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v preserve_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n therefore_o to_o suspect_v that_o the_o hebrew_n original_a of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v corrupt_v but_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o well_o as_o some_o learned_a modern_n have_v assert_v that_o the_o hebrew_n be_v corrupt_v i_o answer_v first_o as_o to_o the_o father_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o justin_n martyr_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n he_o confident_o assirm_v that_o the_o jew_n erase_v many_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o he_o assign_v particular_a instance_n in_o the_o psalm_n isaiah_n and_o jeremiah_n and_o this_o they_o do_v say_v he_o because_o they_o hate_v christ_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o think_v some_o of_o those_o place_n favour_v the_o christian_a cause_n too_o much_o here_o by_o the_o by_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o great_a mistake_n and_o oversight_n in_o bishop_n ward_n be_v 3_o essay_n where_o he_o peremptory_o assert_n that_o never_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n have_v in_o their_o great_a heat_n of_o zeal_n against_o the_o jew_n accuse_v they_o of_o such_o corruption_n i._n e._n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o time_n that_o justin_n martyr_n have_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o historical_a truth_n this_o among_o other_o be_v questionless_a a_o gross_a mistake_n of_o that_o good_a man_n and_o his_o strong_a averseness_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o his_o belief_n of_o their_o willingness_n and_o readiness_n to_o deprave_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o own_o end_n betray_v he_o to_o it_o as_o for_o other_o father_n as_o tertullian_n irenaecus_fw-la origen_n eusebius_n who_o it_o be_v true_a sometime_o complain_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o jew_n they_o speak_v of_o their_o adulterate_v the_o text_n rather_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n than_o as_o to_o the_o word_n they_o mean_v that_o the_o translation_n which_o the_o jew_n use_v be_v false_a for_o they_o general_o adhere_v to_o aquila_n and_o theodotion_n version_n and_o prefer_v it_o before_o that_o of_o the_o seventy_o whence_o their_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v unsound_a and_o erroneous_a and_o thereby_o they_o sometime_o set_v up_o judaisme_n against_o christianity_n but_o this_o be_v do_v without_o corrupt_a thâ—_n hebrew_n copy_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v express_o assert_v and_o maintain_v by_o jerom_n and_o 11._o augustine_n two_o ancient_a father_n of_o a_o great_a fame_n for_o learning_n and_o piety_n as_o those_o before_o name_v these_o worthy_a person_n refute_v that_o suspicion_n and_o rumour_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v then_o rise_v namely_o that_o thâ—_n jew_n have_v adulterate_v the_o hebrew_n text._n these_o father_n not_o only_o declare_v that_o they_o do_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o they_o praise_v they_o for_o their_o faithfulness_n in_o preserve_v the_o bible_n pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a then_o as_o to_o some_o of_o the_o modern_n who_o have_v assert_v the_o hebrew_a copy_n to_o be_v faulty_a and_o deprave_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v what_o it_o be_v that_o prompt_v they_o to_o it_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v corrupt_v and_o so_o be_v that_o of_o the_o septuagint_n say_v the_o romanist_n but_o the_o old_a vulgar_a latin_a be_v uncorrupt_a and_o infallible_a so_o determine_v the_o tridentine_a council_n huntlaeus_n several_a of_o that_o communion_n have_v write_v against_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n and_o labour_v to_o prove_v they_o corrupt_v but_o diatribe_n morinus_n have_v show_v himself_o more_o zealous_a than_o all_o of_o they_o in_o this_o point_n and_o he_o frank_o confess_v this_o be_v his_o main_a design_n in_o it_o viz._n to_o baffle_v the_o protestant_n who_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n if_o the_o original_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v lose_v and_o the_o transcript_n be_v defective_a and_o erroneous_a how_o can_v the_o bible_n be_v a_o certain_a rule_n what_o will_v become_v then_o of_o the_o
they_o they_o be_v once_o doubt_v of_o that_o for_o the_o future_a they_o may_v be_v unquestionable_a and_o to_o come_v down_o to_o latter_a time_n what_o if_o two_o or_o three_o man_n of_o late_a as_o hemmingius_n baldwin_n eckard_n think_v revelation_n some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n apocryphal_a and_o what_o if_o luther_n himself_o seem_v to_o say_v as_o much_o what_o do_v this_o signify_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o universal_a and_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o other_o and_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o at_o all_o but_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v first_o write_v in_o greek_a as_o we_o now_o receive_v it_o be_v attest_v by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o ancient_n who_o make_v enquiry_n into_o these_o thing_n only_o two_o book_n be_v except_v by_o some_o for_o though_o many_o of_o the_o lightfoot_n learned_a modern_n maintain_v that_o st._n matthew_n gospel_n be_v write_v original_o in_o greek_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o some_o of_o the_o augustine_n father_n hold_v it_o be_v write_v first_o in_o hebrew_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v st._n ecclesiast_n jerom_n the_o original_a hebrew_n be_v extant_a in_o his_o time_n and_o he_o translate_v the_o gospel_n into_o latin_a from_o that_o copy_n who_o turn_v it_o into_o greek_a be_v not_o certain_a but_o it_o be_v either_o by_o st._n matthew_n himself_o or_o by_o some_o apostolical_a person_n inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o the_o greek_a we_o now_o have_v be_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o the_o other_o the_o father_n likewise_o general_o say_v that_o st._n paâ—â—_n write_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o their_o own_o tongue_n and_o that_o st._n luke_n or_o st._n clement_n turn_v it_o into_o greek_a the_o contrary_n be_v hold_v by_o some_o modern_n particular_o cajetan_n among_o the_o romanist_n and_o by_o many_o of_o the_o reformed-way_n but_o except_v i_o say_v these_o two_o book_n it_o be_v universal_o agree_v that_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o greek_a and_o one_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o jew_n live_v among_o the_o greek_n and_o use_v their_o tongue_n and_o therefore_o this_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v sit_o write_v in_o greek_a as_o the_o other_o be_v long_o before_o translate_v into_o that_o tongue_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o these_o disperse_a jew_n therefore_o call_v the_o disperse_v among_o the_o gentile_n or_o according_a to_o the_o original_a the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o greek_n john_n 7._o 35._o who_o understand_v and_o speak_v the_o greek_a language_n the_o new_a testament_n be_v put_v forth_o in_o that_o tongue_n moreover_o this_o be_v the_o most_o general_o receive_v language_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o the_o fit_a for_o the_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n for_o though_o i_o do_v not_o think_v the_o jâ—ws_n at_o jerusalem_n speak_v no_o other_o than_o the_o greek_a tongue_n among_o themselves_o as_o isaac_n vossius_fw-la confident_o hold_v and_o be_v therein_o right_o blame_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o late_a french_a critic_n yet_o i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o the_o greek_a tongue_n be_v universal_o understand_v and_o be_v with_o the_o latin_a juvenal_n the_o language_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o therefore_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o communicate_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o world_n poet._n tully_n acquaint_v we_o that_o in_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n greek_n be_v vulgar_o understand_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o that_o tongue_n and_o that_o st._n paul_n write_v not_o only_o to_o the_o galatian_n etc._n etc._n but_o to_o the_o roman_n in_o greek_a for_o they_o all_o understand_v it_o it_o be_v the_o modish_a and_o courtly_a way_n of_o speech_n at_o rome_n as_o the_o french_a be_v now_o with_o we_o their_o very_a woman_n affect_v to_o learn_v and_o speak_v greek_a for_o which_o they_o be_v jeer_v by_o the_o satirist_n who_o call_v rome_n the_o greek_a city_n in_o short_a all_o the_o eastern_a people_n speak_v greek_n more_o or_o less_o from_o the_o time_n that_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o his_o captain_n spread_v their_o dominion_n in_o the_o east_n the_o syrian_n egyptian_n persian_n and_o people_n of_o the_o lesser_a asia_n be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o language_n the_o jew_n of_o any_o considerable_a quality_n understand_v greek_n as_o well_o as_o their_o own_o tongue_n whence_o josephus_n a_o jewish_a priest_n or_o of_o the_o priestly_a stock_n write_v his_o book_n in_o greek_a the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n than_o may_v well_o write_v in_o the_o same_o tongue_n it_o be_v so_o common_a and_o every_o where_o understand_v especial_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n on_o another_o account_n that_o st._n paul_n write_v in_o greek_a for_o it_o be_v his_o native_a tongue_n he_o be_v of_o tarsus_n which_o be_v a_o city_n of_o greece_n we_o may_v then_o very_o just_o look_v upon_o the_o greek_a language_n as_o the_o original_a text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v that_o these_o greek_a copy_n which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o use_v be_v true_a and_o authentic_a though_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o differ_v and_o none_o be_v observe_v to_o oppose_v this_o but_o those_o who_o do_v it_o upon_o some_o interest_n and_o design_n i._n e._n to_o maintain_v some_o peculiar_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v take_v up_o the_o variety_n of_o readins_n shall_v not_o prejudice_v we_o much_o less_o ought_v we_o to_o alter_v the_o readins_n of_o the_o copy_n and_o to_o substitute_v new_a one_o at_o our_o pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o theodore_n beza_n though_o on_o other_o account_v a_o excellent_a person_n and_o one_o that_o have_v high_o deserve_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v unsufferable_o bold_a in_o coin_v new_a readins_n of_o the_o text._n when_o he_o can_v find_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o place_n he_o present_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o copy_n and_o produce_v a_o new_a read_n which_o have_v bring_v a_o great_a scandal_n upon_o his_o annotation_n on_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o otherwise_o be_v fraught_v with_o admirable_a learning_n and_o discover_v his_o profound_a skill_n in_o divine_a criticism_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a manuscript_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o cheat_n for_o questionless_a they_o will_v have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n therefore_o it_o be_v downright_a imposture_n and_o beza_n be_v gross_o delude_v by_o it_o let_v we_o from_o his_o miscarriage_n learn_v to_o be_v cautious_a and_o not_o to_o venture_v so_o bold_o upon_o alter_v the_o greek_a copy_n this_o be_v a_o very_a rash_a and_o unaccountable_a undertake_n especial_o in_o a_o single_a person_n and_o much_o more_o when_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a and_o frequent_a to_o speak_v next_o both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n together_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o be_v establish_v by_o consider_v this_o that_o though_o bellarmine_n and_o other_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n who_o be_v follow_v by_o lewis_n cappel_n and_o some_o other_o that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o protestant_n cry_v out_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v alter_v and_o corrupt_v by_o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o transcriber_n and_o that_o the_o text_n be_v uncertain_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o different_a readins_n and_o variety_n of_o translation_n which_o be_v do_v out_o of_o design_n viz._n to_o debase_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n and_o to_o make_v man_n fly_v to_o tradition_n and_o rest_v whole_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o wish_v i_o may_v not_o add_v thereby_o to_o undermine_v some_o of_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o various_a readins_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o so_o many_o as_o be_v pretend_v and_o all_o the_o various_a copy_n in_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o nation_n at_o this_o day_n do_v agree_v in_o all_o material_a point_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v translate_v from_o those_o copy_n into_o many_o language_n concur_v in_o the_o same_o substantial_a thing_n again_o as_o to_o those_o various_a readins_n which_o be_v produce_v we_o may_v just_o allege_v the_o word_n of_o a_o scripture_n excellent_a man_n they_o be_v not_o argument_n say_v he_o of_o the_o scripture_n corruption_n but_o of_o god_n providence_n and_o of_o human_a
industry_n to_o preserve_v scripture_n from_o corruption_n we_o may_v gather_v from_o this_o diversity_n of_o readins_n that_o man_n have_v be_v very_o inquisitive_a and_o careful_a in_o their_o compare_v of_o copy_n but_o we_o can_v thence_o argue_v that_o the_o text_n be_v adulterate_v yea_o rather_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o from_o this_o compare_v and_o vie_v of_o copy_n we_o come_v to_o know_v and_o be_v ascertain_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o authentic_a one_o and_o we_o may_v far_o add_v with_o the_o same_o excellent_a author_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a since_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o indeed_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o that_o that_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n shall_v have_v be_v corrupt_v for_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n be_v then_o such_o have_v be_v since_o much_o more_o such_o and_o so_o far_o disperse_v that_o neither_o one_o man_n nor_o one_o body_n of_o man_n can_v ever_o get_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n to_o corrupt_v they_o and_o if_o some_o few_o or_o mâ—â—â—ny_a copy_n have_v be_v corrupt_v but_o not_o all_o thâ—â—_n sincere_a number_n will_v have_v detect_v the_o corrupt_a again_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n writer_n of_o the_o church_n do_v all_o ciâ—â—_n these_o scripture_n as_o we_o now_o have_v they_o in_o everything_o material_a yea_o that_o most_o heretic_n have_v plead_v these_o same_o scripture_n and_o deny_v they_o not_o to_o be_v genuine_a to_o establish_v we_o yet_o further_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o these_o write_n have_v be_v open_o read_v to_o the_o people_n in_o all_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n in_o the_o several_a age_n since_o christianity_n begin_v and_o they_o be_v thus_o constant_o use_v can_v not_o possible_o be_v alter_v and_o corrupt_v beside_o that_o all_o private_a christian_n be_v exhort_v to_o read_v and_o use_v they_o in_o their_o family_n whereby_o they_o become_v so_o know_v and_o familiar_a that_o whenever_o any_o alteration_n be_v make_v they_o can_v present_o observe_v it_o last_o notwithstanding_o the_o author_n of_o a_o theologico-politic_a late_a tractate_n have_v bring_v divers_a objection_n against_o the_o usual_a tradition_n that_o such_o and_o such_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o though_o mr._n hobbs_n before_o he_o have_v do_v the_o same_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v effect_v it_o with_o any_o success_n this_o be_v all_o they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v only_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o civil_a to_o the_o holy_a write_n as_o they_o be_v to_o the_o profane_a one_o for_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o clear_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n under_o who_o name_n they_o go_v as_o that_o any_o other_o write_n be_v put_v out_o by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v nor_o can_v these_o man_n vouchsafe_v to_o show_v that_o civility_n to_o these_o sacred_a book_n which_o even_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v do_v for_o when_o both_o â—hese_n oppose_v these_o book_n you_o will_v not_o find_v that_o they_o ever_o question_v the_o author_n but_o the_o doctrine_n only_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o look_v upon_o these_o man_n and_o such_o as_o take_v part_n with_o they_o as_o act_v with_o high_a prejudice_n than_o either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n do_v and_o according_o we_o be_v to_o slight_v what_o they_o say_v unless_o it_o be_v thus_o far_o that_o from_o their_o impotent_a and_o malicious_a cavil_n we_o may_v be_v further_o confirm_v in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o these_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v indeed_o write_v by_o those_o author_n under_o who_o name_n they_o be_v now_o receive_v that_o these_o scripture_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o copy_n we_o have_v of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o corrupt_v that_o god_n have_v preserve_v the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n from_o all_o considerable_a change_n and_o depravation_n his_o providence_n not_o suffer_v any_o such_o thing_n that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o and_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o be_v impregnable_a it_o may_v be_v expect_v i_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n which_o i_o have_v not_o reckon_v among_o the_o inspire_a write_n for_o do_v this_o i_o have_v good_a reason_n for_o i_o find_v they_o exclude_v from_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n by_o those_o that_o be_v the_o best_a judge_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o great_a keeper_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o never_o take_v these_o into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o jew_n believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n cease_v among_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o malachi_n have_v do_v prophesy_v they_o own_v no_o divine_a inspiration_n after_o his_o time_n and_o according_o receive_v not_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n i._n e._n book_n divine_o inspire_v 〈◊〉_d be_v write_v after_o malachi_n time_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d last_o prophet_n be_v not_o canonical_a be_v not_o of_o 〈◊〉_d authority_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o emphatical_a call_v scripture_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n inform_v we_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o criterion_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d be_v back_v by_o st._n peter_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o holy_a man_n 〈◊〉_d god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 〈◊〉_d those_o write_n which_o be_v not_o by_o inspiration_n 〈◊〉_d god_n nor_o from_o the_o immediate_a motion_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d ghost_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v as_o holy_a scriptuâ—â—_n and_o such_o be_v the_o apocryphal_a write_n they_o werâ—â—_n write_v after_o the_o cessation_n of_o prophecy_n and_o diviâ—â—_n inspiration_n and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o can_v be_v esteem_v canonical_a scripture_o second_o the_o jew_n receive_v not_o the_o apocrypha_fw-la 〈◊〉_d to_o their_o canon_n because_o it_o be_v write_v in_o greek_n not_o in_o hebrew_n as_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v for_o god_n will_v not_o they_o say_v give_v they_o scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o oracle_n of_o goâ—_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o authentic_a language_n which_o be_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n the_o apocryphal_a write_n be_v not_o such_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o and_o not_o take_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o sacred_a writ_n and_o as_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o the_o jewiâ—_n church_n so_o not_o by_o the_o christian_a one_o you_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o frequent_o quote_v the_o canonical_a book_n never_o quoâ—â—_n any_o of_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o which_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v not_o repute_v as_o inspire_a write_n otherwise_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o have_v cite_v some_o one_o passage_n at_o least_o out_o of_o these_o book_n it_o be_v their_o great_a work_n as_o you_o may_v see_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n in_o former_a time_n they_o embrace_v all_o occasion_n of_o establish_v christianity_n upon_o the_o write_n of_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n who_o go_v before_o therefore_o if_o the_o apocryphal_a writer_n have_v be_v of_o that_o number_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v be_v quote_v by_o they_o and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o inspire_a writer_n again_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o immediate_o succeed_v that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o these_o write_n as_o divine_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n look_v into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n who_o without_o doubt_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o search_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v which_o be_v the_o divine_o inspire_a book_n and_o there_o you_o will_v see_v that_o those_o of_o the_o eastern_a church_n receive_v only_o the_o jew_n canon_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o old_a testament_n thus_o 19_o origen_n recite_v the_o canonical_a book_n of_o it_o as_o they_o be_v now_o reckon_v viz._n two_o
and_o twenty_o after_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n and_o 4._o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v these_o express_a word_n read_v these_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n but_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o study_n and_o meditate_v only_o on_o these_o scripture_n which_o we_o confident_o read_v in_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n and_o first_o bishop_n be_v true_a guide_n and_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o religious_a than_o thou_o be_v and_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o deliver_v these_o scripture_n to_o we_o thou_o then_o be_v a_o son_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o go_v beyond_o her_o bound_n and_o order_n but_o acknowledge_v and_o study_v only_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n of_o the_o old_a â—â—â—stament_n and_o other_o father_n of_o the_o churâ—â—_n as_o melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n athanasius_n amphiloâ—â—us_n epiphanius_n eusebius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n gâ—â—gory_n the_o great_a basil_n chrysostom_n testify_v that_o 〈◊〉_d book_n and_o no_o other_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o receive_v now_o be_v the_o canonical_a booâ—â—_n of_o old_a and_o receive_v so_o by_o the_o first_o christiâ—â—_n those_o eminent_a light_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n râ—t_n jerom_n hilary_n disow_v as_o uncanonical_a 〈◊〉_d book_n of_o apocrypha_fw-la the_o two_o latter_a especial_o 〈◊〉_d very_o positive_a eustock_n jerom_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o 〈◊〉_d canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d and_o twenty_o just_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n alâ—phabet_n and_o no_o more_o and_o he_o enumerate_v the_o particular_a book_n which_o constitute_v the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d say_v indeed_o that_o some_o make_v they_o four_o and_o twâ—â—ty_a but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o account_n for_o they_o reckâ—â—_n ruth_n and_o lamentation_n separately_z but_o as_o for_o 〈◊〉_d other_o he_o say_v they_o be_v not_o part_v of_o inspire_a scripture_n and_o the_o church_n do_v not_o receive_v theâ—_n among_o the_o canonical_a write_n so_o psalm_n hilary_n giu_v we_o the_o just_a catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o peremptory_o affirm_v that_o there_o 〈◊〉_d but_o two_o and_o twenty_o canonical_a book_n of_o it_o in_o all_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o thirty_o nine_o according_a to_o the_o reckon_n in_o our_o bibles_n to_o father_n wâ—_n may_v add_v synod_n and_o council_n as_o that_o antieâ—â—_n one_o of_o laodicea_n convened_a a._n d._n 364._o which_o draw_v up_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o make_v mention_v only_o of_o these_o which_o we_o now_o receive_v but_o leave_v out_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o this_o canon_n be_v receive_v afterward_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n one_o of_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n and_o the_o six_o general_n council_n hold_v at_o constantinople_n a._n d._n 680._o express_o ratify_v the_o decree_n of_o that_o old_a laodicean_n council_n and_o particular_o this_o that_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o two_o and_o twenty_o there_o be_v another_o reason_n also_o beside_o the_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n why_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v eject_v out_o of_o the_o canon_n viz._n because_o some_o thing_n in_o they_o be_v false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n as_o in_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la 46._o 20._o 2_o esdras_n 6._o 40._o and_o some_o thing_n be_v vicious_a as_o in_o 2_o maccab._n 14._o 42._o after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o answer_v what_o the_o romanist_n say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o quote_v the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n which_o they_o tell_v we_o receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n and_o among_o the_o father_n st._n augustin_n they_o say_v own_v they_o beside_o that_o two_o pope_n viz._n innocent_a the_o first_o and_o gelasius_n take_v those_o book_n which_o we_o style_v apocryphal_a into_o the_o canon_n as_o for_o the_o council_n which_o they_o allege_v it_o be_v but_o a_o provincial_a one_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v set_v against_o those_o more_o authentic_a and_o general_a council_n which_o i_o produce_v nor_o must_v that_o one_o single_a father_n who_o they_o name_n stand_v out_o against_o that_o great_a number_n of_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n who_o i_o mention_v the_o pope_n bear_v a_o great_a name_n among_o our_o adversary_n but_o they_o be_v but_o two_o and_o must_v not_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o council_n and_o that_o multitude_n of_o father_n who_o be_v on_o our_o side_n or_o if_o they_o lie_v such_o great_a stress_n on_o a_o pope_n i_o can_v name_v they_o one_o and_o he_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a they_o ever_o have_v viz._n pope_n gregory_n the_o great_a who_o 17._o declare_v that_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n a_o main_a piece_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a writing_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n wâ—_n may_v set_v this_o one_o pope_n for_o he_o be_v great_a enough_o against_o the_o other_o two_n beside_o their_o own_o 〈◊〉_d be_v against_o they_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v 〈◊〉_d receive_v as_o part_v of_o holy_a inspire_a scripture_n by_o iâ—â—dorus_n damascen_n nicephorus_n rabanus_n maurus_n hâ—go_n lyranus_fw-la cajetan_n and_o other_o who_o be_v of_o greâ—â—_n repute_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o regard_v 〈◊〉_d what_o the_o pack_v council_n of_o trent_n have_v decree_v viz._n 4._o that_o beside_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n 〈◊〉_d the_o hebrew_n canon_n those_o also_o of_o tobias_n juditâ—_n the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la maccabeâ—â—â—_n baruch_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o canonical_a and_o thâ—_n they_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o canon_n oâ—_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o general_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a council_n father_n and_o writer_n who_o have_v reject_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o receive_v but_o twenty_o two_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n belong_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n you_o see_v what_o ground_n we_o have_v no_o other_o than_o the_o universal_a church_n we_o reject_v some_o book_n as_o apocryphal_a because_o they_o be_v general_o reject_v by_o the_o ancient_a primitive_a church_n and_o we_o receive_v the_o rest_n as_o canonical_a because_o they_o be_v believe_v and_o own_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n see_v this_o admirable_o make_v good_a in_o bishop_n cousins_n history_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n yet_o aâ—ter_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v we_o count_v the_o apocrypha_n write_n worthy_a to_o be_v read_v and_o peruse_v the_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o they_o yet_o we_o give_v great_a deference_n and_o respect_n to_o they_o as_o contain_v many_o historical_a truth_n and_o furnish_v we_o witâ—_n matter_n of_o jewish_a antiquity_n as_o likewise_o because_o there_o be_v many_o doctrinal_a and_o moral_a truth_n in_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n and_o ecâ—lesiasticus_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o say_v we_o bear_v great_a respect_n to_o they_o and_o rank_v they_o next_o to_o the_o holy_a canon_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o all_o profane_a author_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o frequent_o allege_v they_o in_o their_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n which_o be_v one_o reason_n i_o question_v not_o why_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n come_v to_o be_v make_v canonical_a by_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n namely_o because_o they_o be_v so_o often_o quote_v by_o the_o father_n and_o in_o some_o church_n read_v public_o but_o this_o be_v no_o proof_n of_o their_o be_v canonical_a but_o only_o let_v we_o know_v that_o these_o book_n be_v in_o their_o kind_a useful_a and_o profitable_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v therefore_o st._n proverb_n jerom_n say_v the_o church_n receive_v not_o these_o book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n though_o she_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v read_v and_o concern_v these_o write_n our_o church_n say_v well_o quote_v st._n jerom_n for_o it_o 6._o she_o do_v read_v they_o for_o example_n of_o life_n and_o instruction_n of_o manner_n but_o yet_o do_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o establish_v any_o doctrine_n which_o give_v we_o a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o book_n namely_o that_o they_o contain_v excellent_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n as_o to_o several_a weighty_a thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v they_o be_v not_o the_o infallible_a standard_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v and_o make_v use_n of_o to_o that_o purpose_n this_o and_o the_o other_o reason_n before_o mention_v may_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o think_v that_o these_o write_n aught_o not_o to_o be_v
and_o this_o abgarus_n among_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o apostolici_fw-la far_o profess_v that_o upon_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n into_o these_o letter_n he_o can_v discern_v any_o flaw_n or_o falsehood_n in_o they_o he_o can_v find_v any_o appearance_n of_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n he_o see_v nothing_o unworthy_a of_o our_o bless_a lord_n in_o the_o stile_n or_o contexture_n of_o that_o epistle_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o yea_o next_o to_o the_o bible_n he_o think_v these_o be_v the_o most_o remarkable_a and_o venerable_a piece_n of_o antiquity_n that_o respect_v christianity_n as_o to_o those_o objection_n which_o be_v start_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o epistle_n by_o a_o 1._o learned_a divine_a of_o the_o sorbon_n it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v unworthy_a of_o he_o for_o they_o be_v very_o frivolous_a and_o groundless_a and_o he_o may_v have_v use_v the_o same_o argument_n â—gainst_a many_o part_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n and_o the_o passage_n that_o occur_v there_o but_o suppose_v after_o all_o that_o these_o epistle_n be_v not_o real_o write_v by_o christ_n and_o by_o abgarus_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o be_v no_o mean_a testimony_n for_o we_o if_o we_o shall_v only_o grant_v that_o eusebiusâ—ound_v â—ound_z they_o among_o the_o record_n of_o edessa_n this_o be_v â—ery_o considerable_a though_o i_o think_v there_o be_v good_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o mighty_o concern_v whether_o these_o write_n be_v real_a or_o feign_a that_o be_v whether_o abgarus_n do_v send_v such_o a_o letter_n to_o christ_n and_o whether_o our_o saâ—â—our_n return_v a_o answer_n to_o it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a that_o eusebius_n who_o translate_v they_o out_o of_o syriackâ—nto_n â—nto_z greek_n be_v welâ—_n satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v such_o record_n at_o that_o time_n in_o edessa_n whether_o they_o be_v spurious_a or_o not_o be_v not_o so_o material_a for_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o or_o not_o they_o give_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o person_n who_o we_o speak_v of_o they_o certify_v â—s_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o such_o a_o one_o real_o be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o these_o record_n bear_v date_n for_o suppose_v the_o people_n of_o edessa_n forge_v they_o as_o be_v ambitious_a to_o retain_v the_o memory_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o to_o celebrate_v it_o by_o this_o particular_a memorial_n insert_v into_o their_o record_n yet_o this_o make_v not_o a_o little_a for_o our_o purpose_n for_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v the_o letter_n to_o be_v supposititious_a as_o some_o learned_a man_n have_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v yet_o the_o register_n of_o such_o may_v be_v true_a though_o they_o â—eigned_v these_o in_o a_o poletick_a remembrance_n of_o one_o who_o name_n they_o intend_v to_o transmit_v to_o posterity_n yet_o the_o record_v of_o they_o be_v thus_o far_o a_o attestation_n give_v to_o christ_n that_o hereby_o his_o person_n and_o worth_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o these_o edessen_v so_o long_o ago_o but_o i_o pass_v this_o by_o i_o can_v relate_v here_o what_o be_v do_v by_o pagan_n in_o testimony_n of_o their_o acknowledge_v and_o approve_v of_o christ._n thus_o the_o emperor_n augustus_n refuse_v the_o title_n of_o lord_n say_v 55._o dio_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o he_o do_v it_o on_o our_o saviour_n account_n 20._o some_o indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v upon_o another_o occasion_n viz._n when_o at_o a_o play_n dominus_fw-la aequus_fw-la &_o bone_fw-la be_v pronounce_v and_o thereupon_o the_o people_n as_o if_o the_o word_n be_v say_v of_o augustus_n with_o great_a sign_n of_o joy_n show_v their_o approbation_n of_o they_o the_o emperor_n labour_v by_o sign_n to_o stifle_v their_o flattery_n and_o the_o day_n after_o put_v forth_o a_o edict_n forbid_v any_o to_o call_v he_o lord_n such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o may_v happen_v and_o yet_o the_o first_o and_o true_a motive_n to_o his_o refuse_v that_o title_n may_v be_v with_o reference_n to_o our_o lord_n christ_n who_o be_v bear_v not_o long_o before_o the_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v this_o that_o this_o emperor_n be_v much_o change_v after_o christ_n birth_n and_o after_o the_o fame_n of_o he_o be_v spread_v abroad_o he_o become_v a_o great_a favourer_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n as_o philo_n the_o jew_n acquaint_v we_o in_o the_o account_n which_o he_o give_v of_o his_o embassy_n to_o caius_n in_o behalf_n of_o his_o countryman_n of_o alexandria_n he_o there_o relate_v several_a particular_a kindness_n which_o he_o show_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o all_o grant_n that_o philo_n be_v a_o very_a credible_a author_n in_o this_o case_n and_o though_o 93._o suetonius_n give_v a_o instance_n of_o his_o aversion_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o jerusalem_n itself_o yet_o it_o be_v likely_a this_o be_v before_o the_o other_o and_o so_o it_o inhanse_v the_o emperor_n after-esteem_a and_o favour_n for_o that_o nation_n and_o people_n if_o you_o thus_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v now_o much_o alter_v it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o believe_v that_o his_o put_v out_o the_o foresay_a edict_n be_v do_v in_o honour_n to_o christ_n he_o will_v not_o be_v call_v lord_n after_o our_o saviour_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o this_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o be_v far_o relate_v of_o augustus_n that_o about_o the_o close_a of_o his_o reign_n he_o inquire_v at_o apollo_n oracle_n who_o be_v to_o adminster_n the_o affair_n of_o the_o empire_n after_o he_o and_o receive_v this_o answer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o hebrew_n babe_n a_o god_n himself_o and_o king_n of_o bless_a subject_n bid_v i_o quit_v this_o place_n and_o trudge_v again_o to_o hell_n wherefore_o great_a sir_n from_o these_o our_o altar_n silent_o be_v go_v whereupon_o the_o emperor_n leave_v off_o sacrifice_v and_o return_v to_o rome_n build_v in_o the_o capitol_n a_o altar_n with_o this_o inscription_n ara_n primogeniti_fw-la dei_fw-la but_o because_o no_o very_a ancient_a historian_n report_v this_o and_o augustus_n those_o that_o do_v be_v think_v to_o be_v sometime_o fabulous_a therefore_o i_o offer_v it_o not_o as_o if_o i_o much_o rely_v upon_o it_o nor_o do_v i_o on_o that_o other_o passage_n in_o jesus_n suidas_n viz._n that_o one_o theodosius_n a_o jew_n ascertain_v a_o christian_n who_o he_o discourse_v with_o that_o christ_n be_v choose_v one_o of_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o temple_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o another_o and_o that_o they_o write_v he_o down_o as_o the_o custom_n be_v to_o register_n the_o name_n of_o those_o that_o be_v elect_v priest_n and_o to_o assign_v also_o their_o parent_n name_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n the_o book_n wherein_o this_o be_v record_v be_v keep_v in_o the_o temple_n till_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n this_o be_v a_o remarkable_a testimony_n but_o because_o it_o want_v evident_a authority_n i_o will_v not_o insist_v on_o it_o that_o which_o i_o have_v say_v already_o may_v suffice_v towards_o the_o prove_v what_o i_o undertake_v that_o christ_n life_n be_v attest_v even_o by_o pagan_a witness_n three_o his_o death_n with_o some_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a attendant_n of_o it_o be_v relate_v by_o person_n of_o the_o same_o character_n thus_o the_o great_a roman_a historian_n express_o vouch_v this_o article_n of_o our_o chri-christian_a belief_n 44._o that_o christ_n suffer_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o that_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n lucian_n who_o be_v fame_v for_o his_o taunt_n and_o scoff_v at_o the_o christian_n call_v their_o great_a master_n and_o founder_n peregrini_fw-la the_o man_n that_o be_v fasten_v to_o a_o gibbet_n and_o hang_v up_o upon_o it_o in_o palestine_n and_o this_o be_v confess_v by_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o pagan_n the_o particular_a manner_n of_o his_o suffer_v namely_o on_o the_o cross_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o talmudick_n writer_n very_o often_o and_o by_o the_o jew_n in_o contempt_n and_o scorn_v our_o saviour_n be_v blasphemous_o call_v talui_fw-la suspensus_fw-la he_o that_o be_v hang_v the_o eclipse_n at_o christ_n passion_n mention_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o that_o as_o a_o only_o universal_a one_o be_v leave_v upon_o record_n also_o by_o heathen_n dionysius_n a_o athenian_a by_o birth_n before_o he_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n when_o he_o be_v a_o student_n in_o egypt_n be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o this_o miraculous_a eclipse_n which_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o in_o a_o 7._o epistle_n that_o he_o
not_o authentic_a as_o true_o i_o can_v say_v much_o for_o they_o i_o will_v produce_v those_o that_o be_v so_o in_o all_o man_n judgement_n you_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o writer_n who_o have_v undertake_v to_o compile_v all_o the_o laudable_a thing_n and_o manner_n of_o divers_a nation_n and_o have_v even_o praise_v the_o brahmin_n and_o gymnosophist_n and_o ransack_v the_o most_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o thing_n excellent_a and_o observable_a yet_o have_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o essenes_n who_o far_o outdo_v all_o of_o they_o and_o be_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n most_o eminent_a and_o conspicuous_a neither_o strabo_n nor_o tacitus_n nor_o justin_n nor_o aristaea_n who_o have_v particular_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n say_v any_o thing_n of_o these_o nay_o josephus_n a_o jew_n and_o who_o in_o his_o two_o book_n against_o apion_n have_v heap_v up_o all_o that_o be_v great_a and_o noble_a of_o that_o nation_n have_v nothing_o there_o though_o as_o you_o shall_v hear_v anon_o he_o have_v something_o in_o his_o other_o write_n of_o this_o famous_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n among_o they_o shall_v we_o therefore_o be_v quarrelsome_a and_o deny_v there_o be_v essenes_n before_n or_o in_o christ_n time_n again_o i_o can_v observe_v to_o you_o that_o the_o roman_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v either_o by_o herodotus_n or_o thucydides_n or_o any_o other_o greek_a writer_n of_o that_o time_n though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n and_o grow_v great_a and_o formidable_a it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a but_o be_v very_o true_a and_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o josephus_n against_o apion_n though_o this_o author_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v be_v himself_o desective_a in_o the_o like_a case_n suetonius_n write_v the_o life_n of_o the_o first_o twelve_o roman_a emperor_n yet_o if_o you_o compare_v his_o relation_n with_o the_o thing_n set_v down_o in_o other_o you_o will_v find_v that_o he_o have_v pass_v by_o many_o considerable_a thing_n he_o have_v omit_v sundry_a matter_n which_o be_v very_o obvious_a let_v we_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n what_o if_o none_o of_o the_o heathen_a historian_n who_o have_v relate_v the_o roman_a act_n have_v speak_v of_o that_o famous_a census_n or_o tax_n in_o augustus_n time_n what_o though_o the_o eclipse_n at_o christ_n passion_n have_v not_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o historian_n though_o both_o this_o and_o the_o other_o be_v record_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o have_v follow_v thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n for_o you_o see_v it_o be_v not_o unusual_a with_o historian_n to_o pass_v by_o some_o person_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o worth_a record_v if_o then_o some_o matter_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o other_o history_n we_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n thence_o conclude_v that_o the_o evangelist_n record_v that_o which_o be_v false_a no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v infer_v for_o even_o among_o pagan_a writer_n there_o be_v many_o peculiar_a historical_a passage_n mention_v by_o some_o of_o they_o which_o none_o else_o speak_v of_o tacitus_n and_o valerius_n maximus_n and_o other_o have_v narration_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o suspect_v of_o falsehood_n why_o then_o may_v we_o not_o credit_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o new_a testament_n record_n although_o no_o gentle_a historian_n say_v a_o word_n of_o they_o nay_o we_o have_v observe_v this_o before_o of_o the_o evangelical_n historian_n themselves_o that_o they_o do_v not_o all_o record_n the_o same_o thing_n though_o all_o of_o they_o mention_v some_o passage_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o only_a by_o one_o or_o two_o of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n or_o person_n which_o none_o of_o they_o make_v mention_n of_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v as_o remarkable_a as_o some_o of_o those_o which_o they_o have_v commit_v to_o write_v thus_o the_o gospel_n speak_v of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadducee_n yea_o of_o the_o galilean_n and_o herodian_o and_o yet_o say_v not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o essenes_n who_o be_v a_o considerable_a sect_n as_o be_v note_v before_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v then_o that_o some_o thing_n occur_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o very_a approve_a author_n no_o history_n sacred_a or_o profane_a relate_v every_o thing_n the_o evangelist_n themselves_o pretend_v not_o to_o this_o you_o must_v not_o expect_v all_o christ_n do_n in_o their_o write_n for_o one_o of_o they_o who_o write_v last_o of_o all_o close_v his_o gospel_n thus_o 25._o there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v the_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o i_o suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v 3._o we_o be_v to_o know_v this_o that_o both_o jewish_a and_o pagan_a historian_n conceal_v or_o misrepresent_v some_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o christianity_n and_o that_o wilful_o and_o out_o of_o design_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o historian_n and_o offer_v this_o instance_n we_o read_v in_o philo_n and_o josephus_n the_o character_n of_o the_o essenes_n who_o i_o mention_v before_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o devout_a man_n of_o all_o the_o jewith_o nation_n that_o they_o be_v a_o retire_a people_n and_o give_v to_o husbandry_n that_o they_o be_v fame_v for_o their_o mutual_a love_n to_o one_o another_o and_o that_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o this_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o common_a like_o those_o primitive_a christian_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o act_n or_o like_o the_o colidei_n or_o culdee_n among_o the_o scot_n in_o the_o first_o age_n that_o though_o they_o be_v the_o devout_a worshipper_n among_o the_o jew_n yet_o they_o libre_fw-la offer_v no_o sacrifice_n but_o compose_v their_o mind_n whole_o to_o 2_o severe_a sanctity_n that_o they_o be_v celebrate_v for_o their_o great_a austerity_n of_o life_n for_o their_o temperance_n chastity_n and_o self-denial_n that_o 7._o their_o bare_a word_n be_v of_o more_o force_n with_o they_o than_o a_o oath_n and_o that_o they_o avoid_v all_o swear_v count_v it_o far_o worse_o than_o perjury_n that_o they_o ibid._n be_v generous_a despiser_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o affright_v and_o trouble_v other_o and_o that_o they_o vanquish_v all_o torment_n and_o persecution_n with_o fortitude_n and_o steadiness_n of_o mind_n and_o as_o for_o death_n if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v with_o honour_n and_o repute_n they_o judge_v it_o â—o_o be_v better_a than_o immortality_n this_o be_v the_o true_a but_o admirable_a character_n of_o that_o people_n and_o both_o these_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v jew_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v such_o people_n as_o jewish_a essene_n and_o josephus_n neckon_v they_o as_o one_o of_o the_o three_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n among_o the_o jew_n but_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o this_o excellent_a character_n or_o all_o of_o it_o at_o least_o belong_v not_o to_o these_o but_o to_o the_o christian_n of_o alexandria_n at_o that_o time_n philo_z then_o in_o his_o treatise_n of_o a_o comtemplative_a life_n where_o he_o pretend_v to_o describe_v the_o essenes_n writ_v in_o praise_n of_o these_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v under_o the_o tuition_n and_o conduct_n of_o st._n mark_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n for_o this_o evangelist_n preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o egypt_n settle_v a_o church_n here_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o that_o learned_a father_n ecclesiaâ—t_fw-la st._n jerom_n that_o church_n say_v he_o do_v at_o that_o time_n judaize_n and_o therefore_o philo_n the_o jew_n think_v it_o to_o be_v for_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o nation_n to_o describe_v their_o excellent_a order_n life_n and_o institution_n for_o this_o reason_n this_o author_n be_v number_v by_o that_o father_n among_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n namely_o because_o he_o have_v leave_v a_o encomium_n of_o these_o christian_n who_o live_v thus_o religious_o under_o st._n mark_v the_o evangelist_n 16._o eusebius_n be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o say_v what_o philo_n write_v of_o the_o essenes_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v discipline_v under_o st._n mark_n epiphanius_n and_o chrysosâ—om_n be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o so_o be_v some_o other_o of_o the_o father_n baronius_n hold_v they_o be_v old_a christian_a monk_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o protestant_a writer_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v devout_a christian_n breed_v up_o as_o disciple_n under_o that_o holy_a man._n this_o be_v the_o more_o credible_a because_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o use_v no_o
appear_v bare-faced_n and_o to_o salute_v the_o public_a beside_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o give_v the_o world_n some_o account_n of_o the_o spend_n of_o my_o time_n and_o to_o let_v it_o be_v see_v that_o i_o have_v not_o whole_o throw_v away_o my_o hour_n moreover_o i_o have_v a_o great_a and_o passionate_a desire_n to_o serve_v the_o church_n to_o vindicate_v our_o holy_a religion_n to_o advance_v the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o transcendent_a worth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o excellent_a notion_n and_o regular_a manner_n and_o to_o promote_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n i_o be_o sensible_a what_o multitude_n of_o writer_n there_o be_v already_o how_o many_o print_a discourse_n be_v publish_v that_o may_v well_o be_v spare_v to_o say_v no_o worse_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o tully_n office_n wâ—â—_n the_o first_o book_n thâ—t_o be_v print_v in_o europe_n which_o be_v a_o good_a specimen_fw-la of_o that_o new-invented_n art_n it_o have_v be_v a_o happy_a thing_n if_o the_o press_n have_v proceed_v as_o well_o as_o it_o begin_v if_o book_n of_o use_n and_o worth_n only_o have_v be_v hand_v into_o the_o world_n by_o it_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v another_o use_v too_o often_o make_v of_o this_o invention_n whilst_o too_o many_o man_n that_o be_v master_n of_o no_o other_o conception_n than_o those_o that_o be_v flat_a and_o useless_a or_o else_o erroneous_a and_o pernicious_a take_v the_o pain_n to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v as_o much_o in_o print_n other_o scribble_v to_o satisfy_v a_o certain_a itch_n of_o write_v that_o they_o have_v get_v and_o the_o press_n seldom_o cure_v the_o distemper_n but_o rather_o increase_v it_o other_o mercenary_a soul_n make_v their_o pen_n wag_v for_o bread_n and_o they_o may_v general_o be_v know_v by_o this_o property_n that_o the_o front_n belie_v the_o fabric_n the_o title_n do_v not_o tell_v what_o be_v in_o the_o book_n but_o only_o set_v it_o to_o sale_n so_o that_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a pretence_n and_o show_n and_o stand_v as_o r._n b_n sham-name_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v of_o late_a in_o the_o title-page_n but_o none_o of_o these_o miscarriage_n have_v discourage_v i_o from_o appear_v in_o public_a and_o pursue_v those_o good_a end_n i_o before_o mention_v which_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o legitimate_a the_o press_n and_o to_o licence_n the_o author_n undertake_n and_o if_o the_o question_n be_v why_o more_o book_n still_o the_o answer_n be_v make_v by_o another_o question_n why_o more_o man_n still_o as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n increase_v write_v will_v do_v so_o too_o for_o all_o man_n be_v not_o alike_o their_o notion_n and_o conception_n be_v not_o the_o same_o wherefore_o for_o these_o different_a reader_n there_o must_v be_v different_a book_n st._n augustin_n argue_v of_o old_a be_v useful_a and_o seasonable_a at_o this_o day_n 3._o it_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o world_n say_v that_o learned_a father_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o book_n compose_v by_o many_o man_n in_o a_o different_a style_n though_o not_o a_o different_a faith_n about_o the_o same_o question_n and_o subject_n that_o so_o hereby_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o truth_n inquire_v into_o may_v the_o better_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o reader_n to_o some_o of_o they_o in_o one_o manner_n to_o other_o in_o another_o for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o person_n be_v not_o convince_v and_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n wherefore_o there_o be_v liberty_n to_o use_v all_o kind_n of_o topic_n thus_o the_o excellent_a grotius_n acquaint_v we_o that_o he_o pick_v out_o the_o best_a and_o most_o convictive_a argument_n as_o he_o think_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o the_o christian_n and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o as_o signature_n fire_v ordeal_o etc._n etc._n be_v neglect_v by_o other_o learned_a man_n for_o evidence_n work_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o man_n genius_n and_o disposition_n hence_o the_o judicious_a doctor_n jackson_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n before_o his_o first_o volume_n confess_v that_o the_o ground_n anâ—_n motive_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o and_o which_o most_o of_o all_o prevait_v with_o he_o may_v have_v little_a or_o no_o operation_n upon_o other_o whereupon_o be_v found_v the_o vsefulness_n yea_o necessity_n of_o propound_v divers_a sort_n of_o argument_n that_o if_o sâ—me_v of_o they_o prove_v not_o forcible_a and_o persuasive_a other_o may_v so_o be_v it_o in_o illustrate_v and_o comment_v upon_o the_o holy_a text_n the_o diversity_n of_o interpretation_n be_v requisite_a and_o useful_a and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v be_v penetrate_v into_o without_o these_o different_a way_n of_o enquiry_n the_o wise_a man_n be_v a_o physician_n of_o the_o law_n say_v the_o jewish_a doctor_n i._n e._n whereas_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unskilful_a corrupt_v the_o text_n and_o deprave_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o he_o come_v and_o heal_v it_o by_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o genuine_a and_o proper_a meaning_n but_o in_o effect_v this_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v tie_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o method_n and_o art_n of_o cure_n which_o other_o have_v use_v before_o he_o some_o superstitious_o confine_v themselves_o to_o one_o man_n critical_a determination_n on_o the_o place_n as_o bishop_n montague_n say_v of_o mr._n selden_n they_o take_v a_o grammarian_n for_o a_o god_n they_o do_v so_o in_o the_o worst_a sense_n they_o deify_v criticism_n they_o idolize_v a_o expositor_n and_o fall_v down_o to_o his_o particular_a interpretation_n but_o we_o must_v be_v more_o catholic_n and_o generous_n if_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sacred_a text_n and_o if_o we_o will_v be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o divine_a truth_n contain_v in_o it_o this_o justify_v the_o variety_n of_o comment_n and_o critical_a researche_n into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o furnish_v i_o with_o a_o apology_n for_o thrust_v myself_o in_o among_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o age._n and_o be_v now_o of_o that_o number_n i_o have_v this_o 〈◊〉_d say_v far_o to_o the_o reader_n that_o though_o i_o be_o sensible_a of_o my_o own_o defect_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o mistake_v that_o may_v occur_v in_o this_o work_n it_o reach_v to_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o text_n and_o diversity_n of_o matter_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v find_v he_o as_o sensible_a of_o the_o arduousness_n of_o the_o undertake_n and_o the_o liableness_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o to_o fall_v short_a in_o so_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a a_o subject_n in_o fine_a in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o my_o endeavour_n which_o i_o shall_v expose_v to_o the_o public_a view_n i_o covet_v only_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o candid_a and_o wise_a and_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o my_o business_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o merit_v but_o to_o purchase_v it_o errata_fw-la page_n 41._o line_n 31._o read_v there_o p._n 54._o l._n 4._o r._n purpose_v p._n 61._o l._n 4._o r._n air_n instead_o of_o fire_n p._n 67._o l._n 3._o after_o counsel_n insert_v so_o theocritus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 69._o l._n 2._o r._n a_o other_o p._n 94._o l._n 12._o after_o as_o in_o insert_v exod._n 20._o 18._o the_o people_n see_v the_o noise_n of_o the_o trumpet_n p._n 145._o l._n 15._o r._n bony_a p._n 155._o l._n 2._o r._n nephritick_n p._n 178._o l._n 15._o deal_n by_o p._n 269._o l._n 32._o r._n have_v no._n p._n 278._o l._n 11._o r._n to_o be_v p._n 280._o l._n 17._o after_o belly_n insert_v as_o it_o iâ—_n general_o think_v p._n 300._o l._n 1._o after_o ordinary_a insert_v or_o profane_v p._n 333._o l._n 8._o after_o more_o insert_v according_a to_o the_o different_a read_n of_o they_o p._n 385._o l._n 1._o r._n it_o as_o p._n 402._o l._n 11._o r._n this_o the_o hâ—brâ—w_n require_v correction_n which_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o learned_a a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v expound_v and_o resolve_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n according_a to_o the_o author_n be_v particular_a judgement_n genesis_n chap._n 15._o ver_fw-la 7._o i_o be_o the_o lord_n that_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n page_n 371._o number_n ch._n 12._o v._n 1._o he_o have_v marry_v a_o ethiopian_a woman_n p._n 375._o ch._n 23._o v._n 21._o he_o have_v not_o behold_v iniquity_n in_o jacob_n neither_o have_v he_o see_v perverseness_n in_o israel_n p._n 96._o ch._n 25._o v._n 9_o those_o that_o die_v in_o the_o plague_n be_v twenty_o and_o
or_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v according_a to_o some_o threefold_a 1._o tropological_a when_o one_o thing_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n signify_v some_o other_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o conversation_n of_o men._n thus_o those_o text_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n wherein_o be_v forbid_v the_o eat_n of_o certain_a animal_n have_v partly_o respect_v unto_o the_o manner_n of_o person_n both_o jewish_a and_o christian_a expositor_n have_v think_v that_o it_o be_v design_v in_o those_o prohibition_n that_o some_o moral_a instruction_n shall_v be_v teach_v that_o people_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o natural_a inclination_n and_o quality_n of_o those_o creature_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o allegorical_a sense_n when_o thing_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v figure_n of_o something_o in_o the_o new_a or_o when_o particular_o they_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o christ_n or_o the_o church_n militant_a as_o the_o rock_n and_o the_o manna_n mention_v in_o moses_n history_n of_o the_o israelite_n 3._o a_o anagogical_a sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v when_o the_o thing_n relate_v be_v applicable_a to_o the_o church_n triumphant_a or_o the_o life_n everlasting_a thus_o the_o enter_v into_o canaan_n and_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n in_o the_o temple_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n of_o they_o be_v mean_v of_o heaven_n and_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a quarrel_v about_o the_o apply_v of_o this_o triple_a distinction_n to_o the_o several_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v say_v to_o bear_v a_o mystical_a meaning_n and_o because_o some_o learned_a divine_n of_o the_o protestant_a persuasion_n disallow_v of_o this_o distribution_n of_o the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v avoid_v all_o wrangle_n by_o assign_v only_o those_o two_o general_a sense_n of_o scripture_n viz._n the_o literal_a and_o mystical_a and_o by_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o one_o liberty_n either_o to_o omit_v the_o particular_a subdivision_n of_o the_o latter_a or_o to_o apply_v they_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n or_o rather_o if_o i_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o vary_v from_o this_o receive_a division_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v divide_v it_o thus_o into_o a_o primary_n and_o a_o secondary_a sense_n the_o former_a be_v literal_a the_o latter_a be_v mystical_a and_o yet_o not_o so_o but_o that_o sometime_o as_o you_o shall_v see_v afterward_o the_o secondary_a sense_n be_v literal_a too_o for_o there_o be_v two_o literal_a or_o historical_a meaning_n in_o some_o place_n but_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o may_v be_v call_v mystical_a also_o because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o plain_o understand_v as_o the_o other_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o main_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a sense_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o for_o some_o particular_a place_n only_o have_v a_o mystical_a signification_n this_o be_v the_o most_o genuine_a proper_a and_o original_a meaning_n and_o therefore_o i_o call_v it_o the_o first_o or_o primary_n one_o but_o the_o mystical_a sense_n be_v derivative_a improper_a indirect_a and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v first_o and_o chief_o design_v and_o therefore_o i_o call_v it_o the_o secondary_a sense_n the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v that_o plain_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n which_o the_o bare_a letter_n and_o word_n themselves_o denote_v to_o we_o the_o latter_a be_v when_o some_o other_o thing_n be_v signify_v in_o the_o word_n beside_o what_o the_o letter_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o import_v the_o one_o be_v obvious_a and_o lie_v uppermost_a in_o the_o text_n and_o be_v the_o soon_o perceive_v but_o the_o other_o be_v more_o remote_a and_o lie_v deep_a and_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o discover_v but_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o moment_n yea_o general_o of_o great_a than_o the_o other_o more_o familiar_a and_o obvious_a meaning_n wherefore_o it_o be_v our_o concern_v to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o it_o the_o bible_n like_o that_o book_n in_o ezekiel_n ch_n 2._o 10._o be_v write_v within_o and_o without_o it_o have_v a_o inward_a secret_a and_o mystical_a signification_n as_o well_o as_o one_o that_o be_v external_a open_a and_o literal_a and_o we_o can_v never_o arrive_v to_o a_o true_a understanding_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n unless_o we_o have_v some_o insight_n into_o both_o i_o will_v instance_n first_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o secondary_a or_o mystical_a sense_n lodge_v in_o several_a passage_n of_o they_o indeed_o the_o holy_a language_n itself_o in_o which_o these_o be_v write_v be_v big_a with_o mystery_n i_o have_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v more_o word_n in_o this_o tongue_n that_o signify_v to_o hide_v or_o conceal_v than_o in_o any_o other_o language_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v a_o hundred_o synonymous_a word_n at_o least_o for_o this_o one_o thing_n whether_o this_o criticism_n have_v any_o weight_n in_o it_o or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v much_o concern_v but_o this_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o many_o great_a mystery_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o this_o abstruse_a tongue_n in_o the_o holy_a volume_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v conversant_a in_o these_o write_n acknowledge_v there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o literal_a but_o a_o mystical_a interpretation_n of_o they_o which_o latter_a they_o call_v inquirere_fw-la midrash_n because_o there_o be_v no_o attain_n to_o it_o but_o by_o a_o diligent_a inquisition_n the_o hebrew_n doctor_n say_v in_o a_o proverbial_a manner_n there_o be_v not_o a_o single_a letter_n in_o the_o whole_a law_n on_o which_o there_o do_v not_o depend_v great_a mountain_n their_o meaning_n be_v that_o there_o be_v vast_a mystery_n and_o profound_a sense_n in_o every_o word_n almost_o in_o the_o sacred_a write_n which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o another_o adage_n of_o they_o viz._n that_o 〈◊〉_d the_o law_n have_v seventy_o face_n it_o have_v many_o various_a aspect_n different_a signification_n and_o sense_n for_o there_o be_v mystical_a as_o well_o as_o literal_a interpretation_n of_o the_o holy_a text._n thus_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n though_o it_o be_v historical_a and_o set_v down_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o wonderful_a creation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o of_o man_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o low_a world_n yet_o it_o be_v think_v by_o the_o wise_a jew_n that_o there_o be_v a_o far_a reach_n in_o it_o and_o that_o both_o moral_a and_o divine_a mystery_n be_v couch_v in_o the_o several_a particular_n of_o that_o narrative_a which_o moses_n give_v there_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n for_o which_o reason_n this_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v forhad_v to_o be_v read_v by_o the_o jew_n till_o they_o be_v thirty_o year_n of_o age._n it_o be_v agree_v among_o the_o best_a expositor_n that_o in_o those_o word_n in_o gen._n 3._o 14_o 15._o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o the_o serpent_n i_o will_v put_v enmity_n between_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n beside_o the_o primary_n or_o literal_a sense_n viz._n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enmity_n between_o mankind_n and_o the_o serpentine_a brood_n and_o that_o man_n have_v a_o antipathy_n against_o that_o creature_n shall_v labour_v to_o destroy_v it_o by_o â—ruising_v his_o head_n because_o there_o his_o venom_n lie_v whereby_o he_o do_v harm_n and_o the_o head_n be_v to_o be_v first_o attack_v if_o we_o will_v destroy_v this_o mischievous_a creature_n as_o josephus_n 2._o give_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o place_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v there_o be_v another_o for_o satan_n be_v mean_v by_o the_o serpent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o creature_n of_o that_o name_n for_o satan_n appear_v in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o serpent_n or_o rather_o actuate_v a_o live_a serpent_n and_o christ_n be_v mean_v by_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n for_o he_o be_v emphatical_o and_o exclusive_o call_v so_o because_o he_o be_v not_o the_o seed_n of_o man_n but_o be_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n so_o that_o this_o text_n be_v just_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o dawn_v of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o most_o early_o promise_v concern_v the_o bless_a messiah_n the_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n so_o likewise_o we_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o heb._n 7._o 1_o etc._n etc._n that_o what_o be_v say_v in_o gen._n 14._o 18._o of_o melohisedek_n king_n of_o salem_n priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n be_v not_o only_o literal_o speak_v but_o aught_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o high_a and_o
kingdom_n though_o from_o very_o small_a beginning_n compare_v they_o to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n and_o by_o a_o lessen_v hyperbole_n call_v this_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n though_o in_o exact_a speak_v it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o if_o this_o way_n of_o interpret_n christ_n word_n which_o i_o now_o offer_v be_v not_o approve_v of_o than_o you_o may_v expound_v they_o thus_o that_o this_o seed_n be_v oâ—e_v of_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n or_o you_o may_v understand_v they_o speak_v respective_o that_o be_v it_o be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o such_o seed_n as_o extend_v to_o large_a production_n no_o seed_n so_o little_o send_v forth_o branch_n so_o wide_o or_o bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n after_o that_o plentiful_a manner_n thus_o you_o may_v understand_v the_o word_n but_o in_o my_o judgement_n the_o resolve_v they_o into_o a_o hyperbole_n be_v the_o best_a way_n though_o it_o be_v not_o make_v use_v â—f_n by_o expositor_n and_o how_o indeed_o can_v it_o when_o they_o take_v the_o seed_n of_o mustard_n to_o be_v absolute_o the_o least_o of_o all_o grain_n whatsoever_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o luke_n 19_o 44._o they_o shall_v not_o leave_v in_o thou_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o last_o and_o final_a devastation_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o hyperbolical_a expression_n and_o consequent_o not_o true_a in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n for_o can_v we_o think_v say_v some_o that_o the_o roman_a army_n have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o pick_v out_o all_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o foundation_n and_o throw_v they_o away_o those_o who_o talk_v thus_o do_v not_o remember_v what_o be_v do_v at_o several_a time_n towards_o the_o complete_a and_o total_a destruction_n of_o that_o place_n this_o passage_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n seem_v to_o refer_v particular_o and_o signal_o to_o the_o dig_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o the_o very_o plough_v up_o the_o ground_n by_o titus_n command_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o do_v not_o deny_v and_o also_o to_o that_o prodigious_a earthquake_n in_o iulian_n time_n whereby_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o foundation_n be_v whole_o break_v up_o and_o scatter_v abroad_o here_o be_v a_o exact_a fulfil_n of_o christ_n prediction_n without_o any_o hyperbole_n as_o for_o that_o close_a of_o st._n john_n gospel_n even_o the_o woâ—ld_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v chap._n 21_o 25._o 3._o eusâ—bius_n and_o st._n aâ—gustin_n of_o old_a and_o tremellius_n other_o more_o late_o understand_v it_o thus_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v that_o be_v conceive_v comprehend_v and_o digest_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v concern_v our_o saviour_n deed_n their_o understanding_n be_v weak_a and_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v oppress_v with_o so_o many_o book_n on_o that_o subject_a so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o use_v be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o matth._n 19_o 11._o all_o man_n can_v receive_v or_o contain_v this_o say_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v by_o philo_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o how_o unsearchable_a it_o be_v sai_z that_o 1._o neither_o heaven_n nor_o earth_n be_v able_a to_o contain_v i._n e._n to_o comprehend_v it_o but_o a_o sacr._n modern_a critic_n think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o signify_v to_o entertain_v and_o approve_v of_o and_o according_o his_o gloss_n on_o the_o word_n be_v this_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v scorn_v reject_v and_o slight_v all_o the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v of_o christ_n it_o have_v despise_v these_o that_o be_v already_o write_v the_o world_n have_v other_o employment_n it_o will_v not_o read_v and_o peruse_v such_o write_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o verb_n in_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d receive_v entertain_v approve_v of_o we_o and_o 8._o dionys._n halicarn_n use_v the_o word_n thus_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o city_n admit_v not_o of_o i._n e._n scorn_n good_a men._n but_o though_o this_o and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n sometime_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o unusual_a beside_o that_o it_o be_v improper_a and_o metaphorical_a and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v and_o embrace_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v common_a and_o usual_a as_o also_o genuine_a and_o proper_a and_o then_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o world_n as_o capacious_a and_o wide_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o able_a to_o hold_v oâ—_n contain_v all_o the_o book_n that_o may_v have_v be_v write_v concern_v christ_n and_o his_o work_n but_o this_o can_v be_v the_o sâ—nsâ—_n here_o you_o will_v say_v because_o than_o our_o saviour_n word_n will_v not_o be_v true_a for_o the_o world_n be_v able_a be_v wide_a enough_o to_o contain_v to_o hold_v those_o book_n and_o many_o more_o beside_o i_o answer_v i_o grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o strict_a way_n of_o speak_v but_o the_o evangelist_n st._n john_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o conclude_v his_o book_n with_o some_o great_a word_n concern_v his_o dear_a master_n and_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o express_v himself_o thus_o in_o a_o high_a and_o hyperbolical_a manner_n the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v of_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o i_o and_o otherâ—_n have_v record_v the_o say_n and_o do_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n yet_o this_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o may_v be_v say_v on_o this_o vast_a subject_n theâ—e_n be_v unspeakable_o much_o more_o reâ—naining_v than_o have_v be_v tell_v you_o what_o he_o say_v and_o do_v be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o admirable_a that_o innumerable_a volume_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o enlarge_n on_o that_o copious_a matter_n i_o may_v say_v to_o you_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o wide_a and_o ample_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o able_a to_o contain_v those_o immense_a treatise_n those_o infinite_a discourse_n which_o may_v be_v write_v in_o relate_v all_o the_o passage_n that_o concern_v our_o bless_a lord_n and_o in_o commendation_n of_o they_o obseruâ—_v it_o the_o evangelist_n say_v the_o world_n itself_o i._n e._n this_o material_a local_a world_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n as_o those_o of_o the_o former_a opinion_n fancy_v beside_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o speak_v not_o absolute_o here_o but_o in_o a_o qualify_a manner_n i_o suppose_v i_o think_v i_o conceive_v the_o world_n itself_o can_v contain_v etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o word_n can_v be_v mean_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n for_o what_o sense_n can_v you_o make_v of_o this_o i_o suppose_v i_o think_v that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v comprehend_v the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v or_o i_o suppose_v all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v entertain_v and_o approve_v of_o they_o whether_o he_o suppose_v it_o or_o not_o it_o will_v be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o real_o believe_v and_o direct_o assert_v if_o it_o be_v true_a but_o if_o you_o admit_v of_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v propound_v than_o his_o suppose_n may_v be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o consistent_a here_o for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o supposition_n not_o a_o exact_a and_o strict_a truth_n which_o he_o here_o utter_v it_o be_v a_o lofty_a strain_n or_o hyperbole_n which_o he_o shut_v up_o his_o gospel_n with_o i_o think_v in_o a_o manner_n â—aith_o he_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o can_v contain_v the_o book_n that_o may_v be_v compose_v and_o write_v on_o this_o glorious_a theme_n which_o be_v so_o various_a so_o voluminous_a thus_o you_o see_v the_o word_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o this_o way_n for_o the_o other_o be_v not_o reconcilable_a to_o good_a sense_n and_o indeed_o this_o manner_n of_o style_n be_v but_o parallel_n with_o other_o passage_n in_o scripture_n as_o gen._n 13._o 6._o the_o land_n be_v not_o able_a â—o_o bear_v they_o viz._n lot_n and_o abraham_n and_o their_o flock_n which_o express_v how_o exceed_v numerous_a they_o be_v so_o some_o understand_v luke_n 2._o 1._o there_o go_v out_o a_o decree_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v tax_v which_o set_v forth_o the_o largeness_n and_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o emperor_n dominion_n not_o that_o all_o the_o world_n strict_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v tax_v for_o it_o be_v not_o all_o in_o his_o power_n it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o
for_o a_o fir_n and_o other_o for_o a_o turpentine-tree_n and_o pererius_n that_o he_o may_v say_v something_o singular_a and_o different_a from_o all_o the_o rest_n fancy_v it_o be_v not_o the_o wood_n of_o one_o sort_n of_o tree_n but_o that_o it_o be_v make_v of_o divers_a kind_n but_o the_o translator_n of_o the_o english_a bible_n retain_v the_o hebrew_n word_n itself_o because_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o any_o of_o these_o signification_n eolah_n and_o allah_o and_o allon_n ezek._n 6._o 13._o josh._n 24._o 26._o isa._n 6._o 13._o according_a to_o different_a interpreter_n be_v render_v not_o only_o a_o oak_n but_o a_o elm_n a_o alder-tree_n a_o turpentine_n a_o lime_n or_o teil-tree_n a_o pine_n a_o chestnut_n what_o kind_n of_o tree_n algummim_a or_o almuggim_n 1_o king_n 10._o 11._o 2_o chron._n 2._o 8._o chap._n 9_o 10_o 11._o be_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o tell_v yea_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n think_v coral_n which_o we_o can_v proper_o call_v a_o tree_n be_v mean_v by_o they_o but_o 23._o grotius_n have_v warn_v we_o not_o to_o trust_v to_o the_o rabin_n especial_o the_o latter_a one_o in_o their_o interpretation_n which_o they_o give_v of_o herb_n and_o tree_n what_o particular_a kind_n of_o wood_n that_o be_v which_o be_v call_v shittim_n of_o which_o you_o read_v so_o often_o in_o exoduâ—_fw-la and_o be_v render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d incorruptible_a wood_n by_o the_o lxx_o be_v not_o agree_v among_o the_o learned_a some_o think_v it_o to_o be_v cedar_n other_o the_o pitch-tree_n other_o box_n but_o jerom_n and_o theodotion_n take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o white-thorn_n or_o a_o tree_n very_o like_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o be_v certain_a of_o nothing_o but_o this_o that_o it_o be_v some_o very_a excellent_a and_o choice_a wood_n which_o they_o find_v to_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o building_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o it_o be_v denominate_v from_o the_o place_n where_o it_o grow_v and_o whence_o it_o be_v fetch_v for_o of_o shittim_n we_o read_v in_o numb_a 25._o 1._o josh._n 2._o 1._o and_o in_o other_o place_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o tree_n it_o be_v be_v uncertain_a for_o which_o reason_n both_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a and_o english_a translator_n think_v fit_a to_o retain_v the_o hebrew_n word_n itself_o for_o we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o these_o thing_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o see_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o they_o have_v tree_n and_o plant_n in_o the_o eastern_a country_n which_o be_v not_o in_o these_o place_n and_o therefore_o we_o know_v they_o not_o so_o for_o animal_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v before_o there_o be_v some_o proper_a to_o those_o region_n and_o because_o these_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v they_o not_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o several_a name_n of_o sensitive_a and_o vegetative_a creature_n mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v unintelligible_a whether_o the_o hebrew_n bedolach_n bdellium_n gen._n 2._o 12._o be_v a_o tree_n or_o a_o stone_n or_o a_o gum_n or_o a_o pearl_n be_v dispute_v pliny_n and_o diascorides_n mention_n bdellium_n as_o wood_n or_o a_o tree_n and_o junius_n upon_o the_o place_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n other_o and_o particular_o 1._o josephus_n understand_v it_o to_o be_v a_o aromatic_a gum_n or_o the_o juice_n of_o some_o odoriferous_a tree_n the_o jew_n general_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o precious_a stone_n but_o some_o of_o they_o think_v it_o be_v a_o crystal_n other_o a_o jasper_n and_o other_o of_o they_o a_o carbuncle_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d so_o render_v by_o the_o septuagint_n bochart_n and_o some_o other_o modern_n tell_v we_o that_o bedolach_n be_v not_o bdellium_n or_o any_o other_o precious_a stone_n but_o a_o margarite_n a_o pearl_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o be_v usual_o fetch_v up_o in_o that_o maritime_a part_n of_o arabia_n which_o be_v call_v havilah_n in_o the_o forementioned_a text._n and_o to_o corroborate_v this_o opinion_n he_o further_o add_v that_o manna_n be_v say_v to_o be_v numb_a 11._o 7._o of_o the_o colour_n of_o bdellium_n i._n e._n white_a which_o be_v the_o singular_a ornament_n and_o beauty_n of_o a_o pearl_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v here_o that_o the_o word_n for_o mineral_n and_o precious_a stone_n be_v very_o ambiguous_a i_o will_v mention_v only_o one_o viz._n nophek_n the_o first_o precious_a stone_n in_o the_o second_o order_n of_o those_o in_o the_o high_a priest_n breastplate_n this_o be_v render_v by_o st._n jerom_n a_o carbuncle_n by_o onkelos_n a_o emerald_n by_o some_o interpreter_n a_o topaz_n and_o by_o other_o a_o ruby_n and_o there_o be_v almost_o the_o like_a difference_n in_o interpret_n some_o of_o the_o other_o word_n whereby_o other_o stone_n be_v signify_v for_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n as_o buxtorf_n and_o other_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o name_n of_o precious_a stone_n in_o scripture_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o there_o be_v such_o a_o discrepancy_n say_v a_o 20._o learned_a hebrician_n about_o these_o among_o all_o interpreter_n whether_o christian_n or_o jew_n that_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o determine_v any_o thing_n certain_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o musical_a instrument_n mention_v in_o scripture_n which_o have_v employ_v many_o critic_n and_o grammarian_n but_o with_o little_a satisfaction_n but_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o for_o my_o present_a purpose_n viz._n to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o hebrew_n name_n of_o divers_a thing_n be_v not_o well_o understand_v which_o sometime_o beget_v a_o misunderstanding_n concern_v the_o thing_n themselves_o there_o be_v indeed_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n a_o great_a number_n of_o word_n of_o different_a sense_n but_o the_o number_n be_v far_o great_a in_o hebrew_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o paucity_n of_o word_n in_o this_o tongue_n for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n but_o few_o word_n to_o express_v they_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o sundry_a of_o they_o must_v be_v of_o various_a signification_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o distinguish_v between_o they_o this_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o septuagint_n have_v insert_v several_a hebrew_a word_n into_o their_o version_n namely_o because_o they_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o express_v they_o in_o greek_a their_o signification_n be_v so_o doubtful_a hence_o also_o some_o proper_a name_n be_v translate_v by_o these_o interpreter_n as_o appellative_n which_o be_v do_v also_o sometime_o by_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a because_o those_o name_n be_v seem_o and_o as_o to_o their_o sound_n no_o other_o than_o appellative_n however_o the_o dubious_a meaning_n of_o they_o prompt_v the_o translator_n to_o take_v they_o as_o such_o nor_o be_v we_o to_o think_v that_o this_o ambiguity_n be_v any_o blemish_n or_o disparagement_n to_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o we_o find_v it_o no_o where_o but_o in_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v indifferent_a and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v not_o indispensable_o require_v of_o we_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o difficulty_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o many_o word_n and_o passage_n in_o these_o holy_a write_n be_v so_o far_o from_o disparage_v they_o that_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o the_o unparalleled_a antiquity_n of_o they_o we_o be_v assure_v hence_o that_o they_o have_v the_o priority_n of_o all_o other_o book_n we_o may_v rational_o gather_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o volume_n at_o least_o be_v compose_v and_o write_v before_o any_o other_o write_n be_v extant_a if_o this_o sacred_a book_n be_v of_o a_o late_a date_n we_o shall_v have_v have_v few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o difficult_a term_n that_o it_o abound_v with_o now_o we_o can_v not_o then_o have_v a_o more_o convince_v argument_n of_o its_o be_v exceed_v ancient_a than_o its_o be_v dark_a in_o some_o place_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o complain_v of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o these_o write_n let_v we_o reverence_n and_o admire_v its_o matchless_a antiquity_n and_o congratulate_v our_o own_o happiness_n that_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v entrust_v we_o with_o the_o first_o and_o old_a record_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n i_o will_v go_v on_o then_o still_o with_o my_o present_a undertake_n and_o show_v in_o other_o particular_n the_o dubious_a import_n of_o some_o word_n in_o these_o sacred_a write_n and_o attempt_v to_o clear_v some_o of_o they_o i_o will_v here_o speak_v of_o the_o measure_n weight_n and_o coin_n mention_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v another_o instance_n of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o arise_v from_o our_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o exact_a signification_n of_o some_o word_n in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n the_o hebrew_n measure_n be_v either_o of_o application_n or_o
genealogy_n if_o it_o be_v object_v in_o the_o last_o place_n how_o can_v joseph_n be_v the_o son_n of_o jacob_n in_o one_o genealogy_n mat._n 1._o 16._o and_o the_o son_n of_o heli_n in_o the_o other_o luke_n 3._o 23._o it_o be_v answer_v by_o some_o that_o because_o joseph_n marry_v mary_n heli_n daughter_n therefore_o he_o be_v call_v his_o son_n i._n e._n his_o son_n by_o marriage_n of_o his_o daughter_n other_o say_v heli_n and_o jacob_n be_v brethren_n and_o the_o former_a die_v without_o child_n the_o latter_a marry_v his_o widow_n as_o the_o law_n in_o that_o case_n require_v so_o that_o jacob_n be_v the_o natural_a father_n of_o joseph_n and_o heli_n be_v his_o father-in-law_n this_o be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o several_a of_o the_o ambrose_n ancient_n and_o etc._n modern_n and_o we_o have_v no_o argument_n to_o confute_v it_o this_o be_v a_o tradition_n among_o the_o jew_n themselves_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o grotius_n on_o luke_n 3_o or_o if_o this_o be_v not_o satisfactory_a we_o may_v quash_n the_o difficulty_n by_o what_o i_o have_v former_o propound_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v usual_a among_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v two_o name_n it_o may_v be_v jacob_n and_o heli_n be_v name_n of_o the_o same_o person_n and_o st._n matthew_n make_v use_v of_o one_o and_o st._n luke_n of_o the_o other_o to_o conclude_v though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o reconcile_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o foresay_a genealogy_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o take_v occasion_n thence_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n and_o consistency_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o think_v that_o st._n matthew_n will_v expose_v this_o genealogy_n and_o in_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o his_o gospel_n unless_o he_o know_v it_o be_v true_a and_o as_o to_o the_o main_a unexceptionable_a and_o the_o very_a same_o we_o may_v say_v of_o st._n luke_n who_o without_o doubt_n will_v not_o have_v offer_v to_o public_a view_n a_o pedigree_n wherein_o the_o chief_a of_o that_o nation_n be_v concern_v if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o confute_v it_o and_o suppose_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o some_o part_n of_o it_o yet_o let_v that_o of_o grotius_n be_v think_v of_o viz._n that_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o way_n of_o draw_v up_o genealogy_n which_o be_v as_o to_o some_o thing_n unknown_a to_o we_o they_o reckon_v the_o generation_n in_o a_o manner_n that_o be_v different_a from_o what_o be_v now_o in_o use_n so_o much_o touch_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o style_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o no_o intelligent_a person_n can_v expect_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v contain_v in_o it_o some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v if_o he_o ever_o weigh_v the_o particular_n before_o specify_v in_o this_o discourse_n and_o if_o he_o consider_v moreover_o that_o 1._o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o collection_n of_o different_a writer_n some_o of_o which_o leave_v out_o those_o passage_n which_o other_o put_v in_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n there_o seem_v sometime_o to_o be_v a_o discrepancy_n among_o they_o and_o one_o be_v think_v to_o assert_v that_o which_o another_o seem_v to_o deny_v 2._o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o particular_n relate_v to_o the_o name_n of_o thing_n to_o rite_n opinion_n custom_n proverb_n and_o peculiar_a circumstance_n of_o those_o time_n of_o which_o the_o holy_a write_n speak_v and_o this_o be_v another_o reason_n why_o several_a thing_n in_o they_o be_v obscure_a and_o unintelligible_a we_o read_v of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o libertine_n act_n 6._o 9_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o call_v because_o it_o be_v build_v by_o jew_n that_o be_v make_v free_a of_o rome_n or_o from_o a_o man_n or_o man_n of_o that_o name_n or_o from_o a_o country_n and_o people_n of_o that_o denomination_n or_o whether_o libertine_n be_v corrupt_o for_o labratheni_fw-la because_o as_o 2._o fr._n junius_n observe_v labratha_n be_v the_o old_a word_n for_o a_o synagogue_n or_o school_n no_o man_n can_v tell_v for_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a occasion_n of_o word_n and_o thing_n if_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a record_n concern_v they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o understand_v the_o psalmist_n complaint_n psal._n 119._o 83._o i_o be_o become_v like_o a_o bottle_n in_o the_o smoke_n if_o we_o have_v not_o read_v that_o ancient_o the_o eastern_a people_n use_v to_o hang_v up_o the_o skin_n of_o which_o bottle_n be_v make_v in_o the_o smoke_n to_o dry_a and_o harden_v they_o beside_o if_o they_o be_v long_o hang_v up_o in_o the_o fire_n or_o smoke_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v parch_v and_o shrivel_a i_o be_o dry_v up_o and_o wither_v like_o such_o a_o bottle_n say_v he_o we_o can_v not_o reach_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o other_o word_n of_o he_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o rest_v on_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o righteous_a psal._n 125._o 3._o which_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o the_o divide_v of_o the_o land_n among_o the_o jew_n if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o rod_n or_o staff_n be_v use_v in_o sortition_n the_o assign_v of_o land_n or_o ground_n by_o lot_n again_o let_v not_o the_o reader_n be_v surprise_v when_o i_o add_v that_o it_o may_v be_v when_o st._n paul_n order_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o from_o troas_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 13._o he_o mean_v the_o skin_n which_o he_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o his_o trade_n of_o tentmaking_a for_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o to_o a_o trade_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o those_o day_n and_o in_o those_o eastern_a country_n and_o particular_o to_o this_o as_o we_o read_v in_o acts._n 18._o 3._o and_o therefore_o when_o at_o other_o time_n he_o acquaint_v we_o that_o he_o labour_v with_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v that_o he_o mean_v his_o work_n in_o this_o call_v in_o which_o he_o be_v skilled_a and_o be_v breed_v up_o to_o and_o this_o questionless_a be_v a_o considerable_a employment_n and_o sufficient_o gainful_a because_o there_o be_v great_a use_n of_o tent_n and_o booth_n in_o those_o open_a and_o hot_a country_n and_o they_o be_v much_o buy_v up_o by_o those_o who_o employment_n be_v in_o the_o field_n especial_o they_o be_v useful_a for_o soldier_n now_o the_o great_a material_n which_o be_v use_v in_o this_o occupation_n be_v skin_n or_o hide_n of_o beast_n dress_v according_o we_o read_v that_o the_o cover_v of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o testimony_n be_v make_v of_o skin_n exod._n 35._o 23._o yea_o skin_n be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o put_v for_o tent_n or_o tabernacle_n in_o these_o follow_a place_n and_o other_o 2_o sam._n 7._o 2._o 1_o chron._n 17._o 1._o cant._n 1._o 5._o hab._n 3._o 7._o jer._n 10._o 20._o jerignah_n be_v constant_o render_v pellis_fw-la by_o the_o latin_a interpreter_n because_o the_o tent_n be_v make_v of_o skin_n and_o that_o tent_n and_o pavilion_n be_v make_v of_o these_o we_o may_v sufficient_o inform_v ourselves_o from_o pagan_a history_n this_o we_o learn_v from_o q._n curtius_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o 7._o such_o kind_n of_o membranous_a tent_n be_v use_v in_o alexander_n the_o great_a be_v camp_n and_o 1._o arrianus_n be_v very_o positive_a in_o this_o matter_n these_o tent_n of_o skin_n or_o hide_n be_v not_o only_o among_o the_o greek_n but_o roman_n and_o both_o 5._o livy_n and_o 12._o florus_n pretend_v to_o assign_v the_o date_n of_o they_o 4._o caesar_n mention_n this_o sort_n of_o tent_n and_o 2._o valerius_n maximus_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o soldier_n who_o behave_v themselves_o amiss_o have_v this_o as_o part_v of_o their_o punishment_n nè_fw-la tentorium_fw-la ex_fw-la pellibus_fw-la haberent_fw-la they_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o lie_v in_o these_o tent_n in_o the_o field_n hence_o in_o tully_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o acad._n sub_fw-la pellibus_fw-la esse_fw-la be_v to_o be_v safe_o entrench_v and_o lie_v secure_a in_o their_o tent_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o st._n paul_n send_v to_o timothy_n to_o bring_v or_o convey_v to_o he_o these_o skin_n wherewith_o he_o make_v his_o tent_n and_o at_o that_o time_n especial_o when_o he_o be_v in_o bond_n at_o rome_n the_o time_n of_o his_o writing_n this_o epistle_n and_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o gain_v a_o livelihood_n than_o by_o exercise_v himself_o in_o his_o call_v wherefore_o he_o write_v to_o his_o belove_a timothy_n to_o send_v he_o not_o only_o his_o cloak_n and_o his_o book_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chief_o especial_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o skin_n for_o tentmaking_a which_o he_o most_o of_o all_o want_v at_o that_o time_n for_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v burdensome_a
and_o down_o to_o rest_v or_o be_v quiet_a sharash_n to_o take_v root_n to_o eradicate_v or_o extirpate_v taab_n to_o desire_v in_o kal_n to_o abominate_a in_o piel_n gnuph_n to_o shine_v to_o be_v obscure_a natzar_n to_o save_v to_o destroy_v gnazab_v to_o desert_n to_o help_v batzar_n to_o rob_v or_o prey_n to_o defend_v one_o self_n from_o â—obbers_n bara_n to_o make_v or_o create_v also_o to_o remove_v or_o destroy_v salah_n to_o tread_v under_o foot_n to_o esteem_v garaph_n to_o gather_v to_o disperse_v asaph_z to_o gather_v or_o preserve_v also_o to_o remove_v or_o destroy_v nacham_n to_o grieve_v or_o repent_v to_o abandon_v grief_n or_o to_o be_v comfort_v chiss_v to_o consecrate_v to_o desecrate_v there_o be_v instance_n of_o all_o or_o most_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o same_o hebrew_n verb_n and_o noun_n which_o have_v not_o only_o different_a but_o contrary_a sense_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o the_o reader_n may_v consider_v at_o his_o leisure_n and_o thereby_o be_v help_v to_o a_o distinct_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n in_o those_o text_n where_o they_o occur_v book_n write_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n edward_n a_fw-la enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o with_o a_o probable_a resolution_n of_o they_o in_o two_o volume_n 8o._o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n i._o with_o a_o continue_a illustration_n of_o several_a difficult_a text_n throughout_o tâ—e_v whole_a work_n 8o._o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n ii_o wherein_o the_o author_n be_v former_a undertake_n be_v further_a prosecute_v viz._n a_o enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o 8o._o all_o sell_v by_o jonathan_n robinson_n john_n everingâ—am_n and_o john_n wyat._n imprimatur_fw-la jan._n 10._o 1694_o 5._o carolus_n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n iii_o treat_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o be_v also_o several_a remarkable_a text_n interpret_v according_a to_o the_o author_n be_v particular_a judgement_n by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n sometime_o fellow_n of_o s._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v by_o i._n d._n for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n john_n taylor_n at_o the_o ship_n and_o john_n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcv_o octob._n 13._o 1694._o i_o judge_v the_o reverend_a author_n shall_v do_v well_o to_o print_v the_o follow_a discourse_n wherein_o he_o have_v learned_o demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n io._n beaumond_n d._n d._n the_o king_n professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o cambridge_n to_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n his_o grace_n thomas_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n primate_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o all_o england_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n may_v it_o please_v your_o grace_n i_o embrace_v this_o welcome_a opportunity_n of_o congratulate_v your_o late_a access_n to_o the_o high_a station_n in_o our_o church_n which_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o happy_a omen_n of_o the_o future_a felicity_n of_o these_o realm_n for_o in_o your_o grace_n conspire_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v render_v we_o by_o the_o divine_a blessing_n a_o prosperous_a people_n viz._n your_o unstained_a faithfulness_n and_o loyalty_n to_o his_o majesty_n your_o most_o ardent_a love_n to_o your_o country_n your_o great_a ability_n for_o public_a counsel_n and_o affair_n your_o perfect_a abhorrence_n of_o all_o immorality_n and_o debauchery_n your_o zealous_a concern_v for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o in_o that_o for_o the_o whole_a protestant_a religion_n of_o this_o last_o you_o have_v afford_v the_o world_n such_o a_o illustrious_a proof_n as_o will_v give_v a_o immortal_a reputation_n to_o your_o name_n for_o you_o have_v not_o only_o with_o your_o learned_a pen_n encounter_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therein_o vindicate_v the_o reform_a cause_n but_o in_o all_o your_o action_n you_o have_v demonstrate_v your_o singular_a care_n for_o this_o latter_a and_o your_o detestation_n of_o the_o former_a especial_o when_o in_o the_o late_a reign_n this_o idol_n begin_v to_o be_v set_v up_o again_o and_o too_o many_o fall_v down_o to_o it_o you_o with_o the_o utmost_a zeal_n vigour_n and_o courage_n remonstrate_v against_o this_o practice_n you_o bear_v the_o insolence_n and_o insult_v of_o the_o enemy_n with_o a_o unimitable_a bravery_n you_o withstand_v their_o boldness_n with_o a_o confidence_n become_v the_o goodness_n of_o your_o cause_n you_o obviate_v their_o folly_n and_o madness_n with_o a_o profound_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n you_o defeat_v their_o diligence_n by_o a_o more_o unwearied_a industry_n and_o in_o brief_a you_o be_v the_o successful_a maul_n and_o scourge_n of_o the_o hector_a jesuit_n that_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n in_o that_o day_n for_o this_o you_o be_v hate_v and_o defame_v and_o be_v so_o at_o this_o hour_n by_o all_o the_o swear_a friend_n to_o the_o pontifician_n interest_n who_o look_v upon_o you_o and_o that_o just_o as_o their_o most_o dreadful_a enemy_n but_o this_o very_a thing_n deserve_o make_v your_o grace_n to_o be_v love_v admire_a and_o honour_v by_o all_o sincere_a protestant_n and_o true_a english_a man_n i_o be_o one_o that_o glory_n in_o be_v of_o that_o number_n and_o according_o i_o now_o attempt_v to_o express_v my_o infinite_a regard_v and_o veneration_n of_o your_o grace_n transcendent_a undertake_n in_o behalf_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o our_o church_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o my_o resentment_n and_o duty_n i_o here_o offer_v to_o your_o grace_n a_o discourse_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v design_v to_o be_v present_v to_o your_o lordship_n before_o you_o be_v advance_v to_o this_o supreme_a see_v to_o which_o your_o merit_n have_v call_v you._n wherefore_o i_o have_v then_o consecrate_v it_o to_o your_o name_n i_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a now_o to_o alienate_v it_o especial_o it_o be_v the_o choice_a and_o noble_a subject_n that_o i_o have_v yet_o treat_v of_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v not_o unworthy_a of_o your_o grace_n patronage_n i_o submit_v the_o work_n whole_o to_o your_o grace_n judgement_n and_o beg_v leave_v to_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o profess_v myself_o to_o be_v your_o grace_n most_o humble_a and_o obedient_a son_n and_o servant_n john_n edwards_n the_o preface_n i_o now_o present_a the_o reader_n with_o that_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n concern_v the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o i_o have_v attempt_v to_o display_v the_o matchless_a worth_n and_o perfection_n of_o those_o divine_a record_n beside_o the_o great_a and_o important_a remark_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v i_o can_v have_v mention_v other_o thing_n bare_o critical_a and_o which_o though_o they_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o which_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o be_v deem_v to_o be_v excellency_n and_o embellishment_n in_o other_o author_n of_o good_a rank_n thus_o some_o critic_n have_v observe_v concern_v that_o of_o virgil_n aen._n 8._o quadrupedante_fw-la putrem_fw-la sonitu_fw-la quatit_fw-la ungula_fw-la campum_fw-la that_o in_o the_o very_a sound_n of_o the_o word_n the_o swift_a career_n of_o the_o horse_n beat_v and_o shake_v the_o ground_n with_o their_o hoof_n seem_v to_o sâ—rike_v the_o ear._n the_o poetic_a foot_n be_v so_o form_v that_o they_o express_v those_o of_o the_o steed_n and_o so_o in_o the_o same_o writer_n aen._n 5._o procumbit_fw-la humi_fw-la bos_fw-la be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o great_a elegancy_n and_o pulchritude_n as_o if_o it_o represent_v in_o a_o lively_a manner_n the_o dull_a and_o heavy_a fâ—ll_n of_o that_o creature_n both_o in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a instance_n the_o very_a noise_n of_o the_o word_n the_o very_a composure_n of_o the_o syllable_n be_v just_o applaud_v by_o the_o admirer_n of_o that_o poet._n the_o like_a i_o can_v have_v observe_v in_o the_o inspire_a write_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v poetical_a among_o which_o i_o reckon_v the_o book_n of_o isaiah_n to_o be_v one_o for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o verse_n yet_o a_o poetic_a genius_n and_o strain_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o most_o part_n of_o it_o those_o word_n ch_n 21._o v._n 5._o prepare_v the_o table_n watch_v in_o
of_o it_o anah_n invention_n of_o mule_n writer_n borrow_v from_o one_o another_o the_o bible_n only_o be_v the_o book_n that_o be_v behold_v to_o no_o other_o here_o be_v the_o ancient_a learning_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o of_o all_o kind_n it_o be_v common_a with_o author_n to_o contradict_v themselves_o and_o one_o another_o they_o be_v uncertain_a lubricous_a and_o fabulous_a but_o the_o divine_a writer_n alone_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a how_o strange_a and_o improbable_a soever_o some_o of_o the_o content_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v they_o just_o command_v our_o firm_a assent_n to_o they_o p._n 263_o chap._n vii_o a_o particular_a distribution_n of_o the_o several_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n genesis_n the_o first_o of_o they_o together_o with_o the_o four_o follow_v one_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n his_o ample_a character_n or_o panegyric_n be_v attempt_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o full_a account_n of_o his_o birth_n education_n flight_n from_o court_n retire_a life_n his_o return_n to_o egypt_n his_o conduct_v of_o the_o israelite_n thence_o his_o immediate_a converse_n with_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n his_o deliver_v the_o law_n his_o divine_a eloquence_n his_o humility_n and_o meekness_n his_o suffering_n his_o miracle_n and_o his_o particular_a fitness_n to_o write_v these_o book_n a_o summary_n of_o the_o several_a head_n contain_v in_o genesis_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o brief_a but_o distinct_a view_n of_o the_o six_o day_n work_n wherein_o be_v explain_v the_o mosaic_a draught_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o bold_a hypothesis_n of_o a_o late_a writer_n design_v to_o confront_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v expose_v and_o refute_v the_o content_n of_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la to_o which_o be_v adjoin_v a_o short_a comment_n on_o the_o ten_o plague_n of_o egypt_n a_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o remarkable_a particular_n treat_v of_o in_o leviticus_n number_n deuteronomy_n that_o moses_n be_v the_o penman_n and_o author_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n notwithstanding_o what_o some_o have_v late_o object_v against_o it_o p._n 305_o chap._n viii_o a_o short_a survey_n of_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n which_o be_v a_o supplement_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n samuel_n the_o king_n chronicle_n ezra_n which_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o chronicle_n nehemiah_n esther_n the_o author_n stile_n composure_n matter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n discuss_v a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o penman_n subject_n kind_n title_n poetic_a meter_n and_o rhythm_n of_o the_o psalm_n p._n 350_o chap._n ix_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n why_o so_o call_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o these_o divine_a and_o inspire_a aphorism_n some_o instance_n of_o the_o different_a application_n of_o the_o similitude_n use_v by_o this_o author_n the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n why_o so_o entitle_v the_o admirable_a subject_n of_o it_o succinct_o display_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o the_o canticle_n or_o mystical_a song_n of_o solomon_n brief_o set_v forth_o it_o be_v evince_v from_o very_o cogent_a argument_n that_o solomon_n die_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v save_v the_o book_n of_o the_o four_o great_a prophet_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n with_o his_o lamentation_n ezekiel_n daniel_n be_v describe_v so_o be_v those_o of_o the_o twelve_o lesser_a prophet_n hosea_n etc._n etc._n p._n 379_o chap._n x._o a_o account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n the_o peculiar_a time_n order_n stile_n design_n of_o their_o gospel_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n show_v to_o be_v a_o incomparable_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n particular_o delineate_v he_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o apostle_n style_n and_o manner_n of_o write_v the_o excellent_a matter_n and_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n st._n peter_n st._n john_n st._n judas_n a_o historical_a series_n or_o order_n be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n p._n 415_o chap._n xi_o none_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v lose_v not_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n nor_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o the_o book_n of_o jasher_n nor_o the_o act_n of_o vzziah_n a_o account_n of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o seer_n the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n the_o book_n of_o gad_n the_o seer_n the_o book_n of_o iddo_n the_o book_n of_o shemaiah_n jehu_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o solomon_n mention_v 1_o king_n 4._o 32_o 33._o objection_n draw_v from_o jam._n 4._o 5._o from_o luke_n 11._o 49._o from_o act_n 20._o 35._o from_o judas_n v._n 14._o from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 9_o from_o col._n 4._o 16._o full_o satisfy_v other_o objection_n from_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 6_o 12_o 25._o 2_o cor._n 8._o 8._o &_o 11._o 17._o particular_o answer_v p._n 451_o chap._n xii_o a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o eastern_a translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n especial_o of_o the_o targum_n the_o several_a greek_a translation_n more_o especial_o that_o of_o the_o lxx_o jewish_a elder_n the_o impartial_a history_n of_o they_o and_o their_o version_n some_o immoderate_o extol_v it_o other_o as_o excessive_o inveigh_v against_o it_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o the_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n assign_v viz._n one_o hebrew_n vowel_n be_v put_v for_o another_o one_o consonant_a for_o another_o sometime_o both_o vowel_n and_o consonant_n be_v mistake_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o signification_n of_o some_o hebrew_n word_n be_v another_o cause_n sometime_o the_o sense_n rather_o than_o the_o word_n itself_o be_v attend_v to_o some_o fault_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o transcriber_n some_o because_o the_o lxx_o be_v paraphrast_n rather_o than_o translator_n they_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o insert_v word_n and_o passage_n of_o their_o own_o the_o greek_a version_n have_v be_v design_o corrupt_v in_o several_a place_n why_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o sermon_n and_o write_n make_v use_v of_o this_o version_n though_o it_o be_v faulty_a sometime_o the_o sacred_a writer_n keep_v close_o to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o seventy_n translation_n of_o the_o word_n at_o other_o time_n in_o their_o quotation_n they_o confine_v themselves_o to_o neither_o but_o use_v a_o latitude_n the_o greek_a version_n be_v to_o be_v read_v with_o candour_n and_o caution_n and_o must_v always_o give_v way_n to_o the_o hebrew_n original_a the_o chief_a latin_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n especial_o the_o vulgar_a examine_v modern_a latin_a translation_n and_o last_o our_o own_o english_a one_o consider_v p._n 477_o chap._n xiii_o our_o english_a translation_n show_v to_o be_v faulty_a and_o defective_a in_o some_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o more_o large_o and_o full_o this_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o several_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o abundant_a instance_n be_v produce_v of_o this_o defect_n and_o particular_a emendation_n be_v all_o along_o offer_v in_o order_n to_o the_o render_v our_o translation_n more_o exact_a and_o complete_a the_o date_n of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o chapter_n and_o verse_n p._n 532_o chap._n fourteen_o the_o reader_n be_v invite_v to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o he_o value_v the_o repute_n of_o a_o scholar_n and_o a_o learned_a man._n that_o he_o may_v successful_o study_v this_o holy_a book_n he_o must_v be_v furnish_v with_o tongue_n art_n history_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a and_o diligent_a in_o search_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n in_o examine_v the_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n in_o compare_v place_n together_o in_o observe_v and_o discover_v the_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o elegancy_n and_o sometime_o the_o verbal_a allusion_n and_o cadence_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o which_o several_a instance_n be_v give_v he_o must_v also_o be_v moral_o qualify_v to_o read_v this_o book_n i._n e._n he_o ought_v to_o banish_v all_o prejudice_n he_o must_v be_v modest_a and_o humble_a he_o must_v endeavour_v to_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o love_n of_o all_o vice_n he_o must_v with_o great_a earnestness_n implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n p._n 532_o of_o the_o excellency_n &_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._n the_o different_a esteem_n and_o sentiment_n of_o person_n concern_v the_o author_n they_o make_v choice_n of_o to_o read_v no_o write_n can_v equal_v the_o bible_n it_o have_v be_v high_o value_v in_o all_o age_n by_o
it_o shall_v be_v believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o be_v think_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o solid_a proof_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o scripture_n this_o than_o we_o assert_v that_o these_o write_n be_v plain_a and_o perfect_a as_o to_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o according_o be_v able_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n which_o relate_v to_o salvation_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o end_v they_o with_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v never_o do_v it_o with_o any_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a perfection_n of_o scripture_n that_o in_o it_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n as_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o necessary_a tendency_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o consequent_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a thing_n to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o we_o be_v plain_o reveal_v the_o new_a testament_n particular_o be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o counsel_n and_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v add_v to_o it_o or_o take_v from_o it_o which_o make_v it_o a_o perfect_a standard_n of_o belief_n and_o a_o complete_a rule_n of_o our_o life_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o short_a and_o defective_a nothing_o superfluous_a and_o redundant_fw-la here_o be_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o all_o the_o measure_n of_o holy_a live_n so_o that_o whilst_o we_o proceed_v according_a to_o this_o perfect_a canon_n we_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o rectitude_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o we_o act_n on_o this_o sole_a account_n the_o holy_a writ_n excel_v all_o write_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o 3._o we_o be_v to_o adjoin_v this_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o light_n to_o our_o understand_n and_o a_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n so_o it_o be_v the_o grand_a procurer_n of_o our_o comfort_n joy_n and_o tranquillity_n alas_o 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to_o furnish_v we_o with_o it_o this_o alone_a can_v remove_v our_o pain_n and_o languor_n and_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a health_n 50._o this_o faith_n the_o psalmist_n be_v my_o comfort_n in_o my_o affliction_n thy_o word_n have_v quicken_v i_o and_o again_o 92._o unless_o thy_o law_n have_v be_v my_o delight_n i_o shall_v then_o have_v perish_v in_o my_o affliction_n it_o be_v this_o which_o uphold_v and_o cheer_v he_o in_o his_o great_a strait_o and_o yield_v he_o light_a and_o joy_n when_o all_o thing_n about_o he_o look_v black_a and_o dismal_a if_o but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v this_o bless_a effect_n how_o powerful_a and_o successful_a will_v all_o of_o it_o prove_v if_o we_o due_o consult_v it_o serious_o meditate_v upon_o it_o and_o give_v it_o admittance_n into_o our_o heart_n if_o the_o apostle_n can_v say_v 4._o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v asore_a time_n in_o this_o book_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o 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afflict_a will_v not_o be_v so_o often_o pronounce_v 12._o bless_v that_o god_n afflict_v a_o man_n be_v 17._o magnify_v of_o he_o and_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o he_o it_o show_v that_o god_n be_v great_o concern_v for_o his_o good_a and_o that_o the_o almighty_a have_v more_o care_n of_o he_o than_o he_o have_v of_o himself_o here_o we_o be_v instruct_v that_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o suspect_v our_o condition_n if_o we_o be_v whole_o exempt_v from_o the_o distress_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o not_o to_o be_v chastise_v be_v a_o mark_n of_o bastardy_n here_o we_o learn_v the_o true_a use_n and_o end_n of_o all_o those_o adverse_a dispensation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o try_v we_o to_o make_v we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o to_o inform_v we_o how_o evil_a and_o bitter_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o offend_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o awaken_v we_o out_o of_o our_o sloth_n and_o security_n to_o hold_v we_o in_o action_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o breath_n and_o exercise_n as_o carthage_n be_v useful_a to_o rouse_v rome_n valour_n to_o abate_v our_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n and_o make_v we_o humble_a and_o submissive_a creature_n to_o check_v our_o immoderate_a passion_n and_o pursuit_n after_o earthly_a thing_n to_o disentangle_v we_o from_o these_o snare_n to_o free_v we_o from_o these_o charm_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o be_v suck_v in_o and_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o powerful_a circle_n and_o eddy_n of_o this_o world_n as_o who_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v true_a philosophy_n that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v up_o of_o vortices_fw-la to_o cause_v we_o to_o look_v after_o better_a thing_n when_o these_o be_v take_v from_o we_o to_o reclaim_v we_o from_o our_o evil_a course_n and_o to_o reduce_v we_o unto_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o a_o renunciation_n of_o all_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o ourselves_o and_o the_o transitory_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o depend_v upon_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v this_o book_n whence_o we_o be_v acquaint_v that_o our_o suffering_n make_v we_o conformable_a to_o christ_n our_o master_n and_o therefore_o be_v honourable_a badge_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o curse_n which_o usual_o attend_v outward_a cross_n be_v take_v away_o by_o our_o saviour_n death_n that_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v chastisement_n rather_o than_o punishment_n that_o no_o adverse_a accident_n can_v do_v we_o any_o hurt_n if_o we_o believe_v in_o jesus_n and_o abandon_v our_o sin_n that_o the_o pressure_n of_o this_o life_n be_v serviceable_a to_o make_v we_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n to_o know_v and_o relish_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o suffer_v for_o we_o to_o inhanse_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o commend_v
the_o bible_n wherefore_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o intend_v very_o particular_o and_o large_o to_o insist_v upon_o viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o ancient_a storehouse_n of_o good_a letter_n and_o learning_n and_o that_o here_o be_v all_o the_o sort_n of_o they_o which_o i_o conceive_v will_v be_v a_o full_a eviction_n of_o what_o i_o have_v undertake_v viz._n to_o demonstrate_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o inspire_a write_n before_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o first_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o language_n in_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o be_v the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v which_o be_v hebrew_a and_o be_v the_o first_o and_o original_a tongue_n of_o the_o world_n this_o certain_o inhanse_v the_o worth_a of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o render_v the_o bible_n preferable_a to_o all_o other_o book_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v other_o language_n that_o pretend_v to_o priority_n but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v their_o claim_n we_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a pretence_n indeed_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o â—_o herodotus_n that_o psammâ—ticus_n king_n of_o egypt_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o experiment_n about_o this_o and_o according_o cause_v two_o child_n to_o be_v nourish_v and_o breed_v up_o by_o two_o she-goat_n and_o suffer_v none_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o they_o at_o last_o they_o be_v hear_v to_o utter_v the_o word_n bec_fw-fr which_o it_o seem_v signify_v bread_n in_o the_o phrygian_a dialect_n whence_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o that_o be_v the_o first_o language_n but_o upon_o enquiry_n it_o be_v find_v that_o this_o experiment_n be_v fruitless_a for_o bec_fw-la be_v a_o insignificant_a pronunciation_n which_o the_o child_n learn_v of_o their_o goat-nurse_n to_o who_o and_o all_o other_o animal_n of_o that_o species_n that_o sound_v it_o seem_v be_v natural_a 〈◊〉_d theodoret_n think_v syrâ—ack_n be_v the_o first_o tongue_n philo_z the_o jew_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o chaldee_n be_v the_o primitive_a language_n and_o that_o what_o we_o call_v hebrew_n be_v true_o the_o tongue_n which_o the_o chaldean_a abraham_n bring_v out_o of_o chaldea_n and_o capellus_n in_o his_o sacred_a chronology_n seem_v to_o espouse_v this_o assertion_n but_o there_o be_v little_a ground_n for_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o chaldee_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o be_v a_o different_a dialect_n of_o it_o the_o scythian_a be_v the_o primitive_a tongue_n say_v boxhorn_v goropius_fw-la becanus_n fetch_v all_o word_n from_o the_o teutonick_n or_o high_a dutch_a and_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o mother-tongue_n of_o the_o world_n but_o he_o have_v give_v so_o slender_a proof_n of_o it_o that_o he_o have_v gain_v but_o few_o proselyte_n to_o his_o opinion_n the_o learned_a bochart_n derive_v all_o word_n from_o the_o phaenician_a tongue_n but_o any_o impartial_a judge_n may_v discern_v that_o he_o be_v too_o extravagant_a in_o his_o derivation_n witness_v that_o of_o phoenicia_n or_o phoenix_n from_o ben_fw-mi anak_n the_o son_n of_o anak_n make_v the_o old_a phaenician_n his_o posterity_n or_o by_o contraction_n beanak_n than_o pheanak_n and_o so_o phoenix_n and_o hundred_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o strain_v to_o maintain_v his_o opinion_n be_v unacceptable_a to_o wise_a men._n a_o late_a author_n have_v publish_v a_o historical_a essay_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o of_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o language_n of_o china_n be_v the_o primitive_a one_o and_o among_o other_o offer_v towards_o it_o he_o have_v this_o that_o the_o first_o expression_n we_o make_v of_o life_n at_o the_o instant_a minute_n of_o our_o birth_n be_v by_o utter_v the_o chinois_n word_n ya_fw-mi or_o yah_n but_o by_o the_o same_o reason_v i_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o first_o tongue_n be_v hebrew_n because_o yah_n for_o so_o most_o hebrician_n pronounce_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hebrew_n name_n of_o god_n and_o how_o 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whole_a earth_n be_v of_o one_o language_n and_o of_o one_o speech_n viz._n hebrew_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v no_o small_a benefit_n to_o mankind_n this_o identity_n of_o speech_n have_v such_o a_o influence_n on_o society_n and_o contribute_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o friendship_n and_o familiarity_n whereas_o now_o we_o must_v â—e_v a_o long_a time_n learning_n to_o make_v those_o of_o other_o country_n understand_v what_o we_o say_v we_o must_v go_v to_o school_v to_o be_v friendly_a and_o we_o can_v be_v sociable_a without_o a_o dictionary_n but_o this_o primitive_a blessing_n be_v not_o of_o very_o great_a duration_n for_o the_o infallible_a record_n inform_v we_o that_o a_o notable_a confusion_n of_o language_n happen_v to_o the_o world_n when_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o its_o minority_n and_o childhood_n and_o have_v not_o long_o learn_v to_o speak_v if_o we_o may_v reckon_v the_o age_n of_o it_o from_o the_o deluge_n by_o the_o fault_n of_o man_n and_o the_o 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rest_n of_o mank_v be_v so_o confound_v that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o lay_v aside_o their_o tool_n and_o leave_v off_o work_v and_o that_o this_o confusion_n be_v not_o a_o introduction_n of_o real_o distinct_a tongue_n as_o some_o have_v think_v be_v evident_a hence_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a affinity_n between_o tongue_n especial_o the_o eastern_a one_o for_o as_o for_o other_o they_o have_v have_v their_o rise_n since_o and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o at_o the_o babylonick_a confusion_n they_o speak_v italian_a spanish_a or_o french_a or_o that_o afterward_o there_o be_v any_o of_o the_o plantation_n that_o understand_v english_a dutch_a or_o irish_a i_o speak_v then_o concern_v the_o eastern_a language_n and_o assert_v they_o to_o be_v different_a dialect_n or_o modes_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v from_o the_o harmony_n and_o cognation_n between_o they_o i_o remit_v the_o reader_n to_o skickard_n hottinger_n and_o other_o for_o the_o particular_a eviction_n of_o this_o he_o will_v from_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o tongue_n be_v not_o multiply_v at_o babel_n but_o divide_v and_o that_o that_o one_o language_n which_o have_v be_v in_o use_n ever_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n receive_v there_o a_o alteration_n and_o new_a modification_n the_o diversity_n of_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o person_n can_v not_o understand_v one_o another_o now_o that_o the_o first_o tongue_n which_o adam_n and_o eve_n speak_v and_o be_v use_v before_o the_o division_n of_o language_n and_o be_v the_o original_a from_o whence_o all_o the_o other_o language_n be_v but_o variation_n be_v hebrew_a be_v apparent_a from_o that_o foresay_a cognation_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o other_o oriental_a tongue_n we_o find_v that_o this_o one_o language_n have_v spread_v itself_o more_o or_o less_o into_o all_o other_o we_o may_v discern_v in_o they_o some_o word_n either_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o be_v according_a to_o hesychius_n as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o lydian_n and_o jonians_n 3._o lucan_n make_v the_o phoenician_n the_o first_o inventor_n of_o letter_n phoenices_fw-la primi_fw-la famae_fw-la si_fw-la creditur_fw-la ausi_fw-la mansuram_fw-la rudibus_fw-la vocem_fw-la signare_fw-la figuris_fw-la now_o when_o these_o be_v say_v to_o have_v first_o find_v out_o letter_n and_o when_o these_o letter_n be_v signal_o style_v phoenician_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v call_v they_o hebrew_a letter_n so_o name_v from_o that_o famous_a hebrew_n moses_n and_o the_o people_n of_o that_o denomination_n for_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o learned_a that_o phoenician_n and_o hebrew_n be_v â—â—e_v same_o in_o several_a author_n the_o old_a distinction_n be_v this_o pâ—riâ—g_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v those_o of_o syria_n that_o inhabit_v the_o continent_n have_v the_o name_n of_o syrian_n but_o those_o that_o border_v 〈◊〉_d the_o maritime_a coast_n be_v call_v phoenician_n wâ—â—_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o canaanite_n when_o wâ—_n find_v pliny_n profess_v 56._o literas_fw-la semper_fw-la arbitror_fw-la assyriâ—â—_n fuisse_fw-la we_o can_v but_o know_v that_o by_o assyrian_a the_o country_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o even_o the_o jewish_a nuntion_n be_v point_v at_o when_o therefore_o he_o say_v he_o be_v of_o opinion_n and_o always_o be_v that_o letteâ—â—_n be_v first_o of_o all_o assyrian_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o coâ—â—firms_v what_o i_o be_o now_o suggest_v and_o when_o thâ—_n gentile_a historian_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o invention_n 〈◊〉_d letter_n be_v from_o cadmus_n it_o be_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n to_o observe_v who_o this_o cadmus_n be_v he_o 〈◊〉_d say_v to_o be_v a_o tyrian_a or_o phoenician_n whence_o hâ—_n have_v the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o syrophoeniâ—cian_a traffiker_n give_v he_o in_o lucian_n council_n of_o thâ—_n go_n this_o be_v he_o that_o bring_v the_o use_n of_o letter_n to_o the_o greek_n which_o show_v that_o the_o origininal_n of_o they_o be_v from_o canaan_n from_o the_o hebrew_n who_o be_v style_v phoenician_n beside_o that_o the_o greek_a alphabet_n be_v take_v from_o the_o hebrew_n not_o only_o the_o name_n but_o the_o order_n and_o figure_n of_o most_o of_o the_o letter_n do_v plain_o show_v and_o when_o it_o be_v say_v by_o plato_n diodorus_n siculus_n tully_n and_o other_o that_o mercurius_n and_o thoth_n who_o be_v the_o same_o person_n be_v the_o inventor_n of_o letter_n and_o erudition_n moses_n be_v mean_v for_o he_o be_v the_o true_a mercurius_n as_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o prove_v by_o very_a convince_a argument_n in_o another_o place_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o muse_n who_o be_v the_o celebrate_a author_n of_o learning_n and_o all_o ingenious_a art_n for_o cratylo_n plato_n who_o be_v the_o great_a searcher_n into_o antiquity_n of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n acknowledge_v that_o this_o word_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o barbarian_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v who_o be_v the_o barbarian_n with_o the_o greek_n viz._n the_o hebrew_n which_o make_v i_o think_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o corruption_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o muse_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o he_o and_o consequent_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o letter_n and_o of_o learning_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o same_o divine_a philosopher_n in_o another_o place_n express_o testify_v that_o 〈◊〉_d the_o greek_n receive_v their_o name_n and_o letter_n from_o the_o barbarian_n who_o be_v elder_a than_o they_o last_o i_o will_v mention_v that_o notable_a passage_n in_o osir._n plutarch_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o egyptian_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o think_v that_o hermes_n be_v the_o inventor_n of_o grammar_n where_o by_o grammar_n be_v mean_v all_o good_a letter_n and_o by_o hermes_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v moses_n who_o as_o have_v be_v say_v already_o be_v universal_o own_a to_o be_v the_o ancient_n hermes_n to_o this_o excellent_a man_n it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v the_o art_n of_o write_v set_v he_o a_o illustrious_a copy_n upon_o the_o two_o table_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n so_o that_o next_o unto_o god_n himself_o he_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o letter_n or_o write_a character_n he_o who_o when_o a_o infant_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o egyptian_a papyrus_fw-la as_o you_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o be_v most_o congruous_o the_o principal_a author_n of_o write_v on_o it_o and_o adorn_v that_o and_o other_o material_n with_o letter_n the_o first_o penman_n and_o writer_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o discovery_n viz._n to_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o write_v these_o sacred_a record_n acquaint_v we_o also_o what_o be_v the_o first_o way_n of_o write_v or_o make_v letter_n they_o let_v we_o know_v what_o material_n they_o of_o old_a write_v upon_o and_o what_o instrument_n they_o write_v with_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o first_o way_n of_o write_v be_v sculpture_n or_o carve_n i._n e._n they_o cut_v their_o letter_n in_o stoâ—â—_n or_o wood_n or_o some_o other_o hard_a and_o solid_a matter_n we_o read_v that_o moses_n or_o rather_o god_n himself_o 〈◊〉_d grave_v his_o law_n on_o stone_n exod._n 34._o 1._o deut._n 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o people_n be_v command_v afterward_o to_o write_v these_o very_a law_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n deut._n 27._o 3_o 8._o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o antientâ—â—_n way_n of_o write_v that_o we_o read_v of_o stone_n be_v their_o book_n of_o old_a on_o these_o they_o engrave_v the_o character_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o egyptiâ—â—â—_n do_v thus_o say_v 2._o jamblichus_n before_o their_o inventâ—â—â—_n of_o paper_n the_o babylonian_n write_v their_o law_n 〈◊〉_d stony_a sort_n of_o substance_n say_v â—6_n pliny_n of_o such_o 〈◊〉_d of_o write_v speaks_z â—raniâ_fw-la herodotus_n and_o all_o the_o 〈◊〉_d marble_n monument_n which_o rome_n afford_v and_o arâ—â—â—_n this_o day_n to_o be_v see_v witness_v the_o antiquity_n of_o 〈◊〉_d engrave_v on_o wood_n and_o tree_n it_o be_v usual_a to_o carve_v their_o letter_n of_o old_a thus_o they_o write_v the_o name_n of_o the_o tribe_n on_o twelve_o rod_n numb_a 17._o â—_o and_o ezekiel_n be_v bid_v to_o write_v upon_o stick_n smaâ—â—_n piece_n of_o wood_n ezek._n 37._o 16._o write_v on_o a_o table_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o lxx_o super_fw-la buâ—â—â—_n according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a isa._n 30._o 8._o may_v refer_v to_o this_o i_o suppose_v this_o write_n in_o wood_n be_v not_o unusual_a among_o some_o of_o the_o gentile_n so_o shepherd_n and_o lover_n use_v to_o cut_v their_o name_n on_o the_o bark_n of_o tree_n of_o old_a this_o be_v call_v i0_n teeneris_fw-la incidere_fw-la amores_fw-la arboribus_fw-la some_o of_o the_o old_a roman_a law_n be_v write_v in_o 3._o table_n of_o oak_n and_o from_o sufficient_a testimony_n in_o author_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o cut_v letter_n in_o wooden_a table_n i._n e._n thin_a slice_n of_o wood_n which_o be_v call_v codices_fw-la but_o afterward_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n to_o cover_v these_o table_n with_o wax_n and_o so_o to_o cut_v their_o character_n on_o it_o of_o which_o sort_n it_o be_v probable_a be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o writing-table_n that_o zacharias_n call_v for_o luke_n 1._o 63._o these_o waxen_a board_n be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o trojan_a war_n as_o appear_v from_o homer_n il._n 6._o and_o that_o they_o be_v frequent_a among_o the_o roman_n and_o other_o be_v attest_v by_o 27._o pliny_n 3._o quintilian_n curcul_n plautus_n martial_n and_o most_o of_o the_o latin_a writer_n of_o engrave_v letter_n in_o gold_n there_o be_v a_o early_a instance_n in_o exod._n 39_o 30._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n be_v write_v on_o a_o golden_a plate_n and_o wear_v on_o the_o high_a priest_n head_n so_o 44._o dio_n relate_v that_o they_o ancient_o make_v letter_n in_o gold_n and_o write_v in_o silver_n the_o draw_v of_o legible_a character_n on_o lead_n i._n e._n thin_a leave_n of_o that_o metal_n be_v record_v in_o job_n 19_o 24._o of_o which_o there_o be_v afterward_o example_n in_o pagan_a writer_n as_o in_o â—â—otic_a pausanias_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o hesiod_n poem_n be_v thus_o write_v and_o public_a record_n and_o decree_n say_v 11._o the_o other_o pliny_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v transcribe_v into_o these_o sheet_n of_o lead_n because_o they_o be_v account_v last_a and_o durable_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o twelve_o table_n of_o the_o
olâ—_n roman_a law_n that_o be_v fix_v up_o in_o public_a be_v write_v on_o plate_n of_o brass_n as_o a_o great_a number_n of_o good_a latin_a author_n testify_v and_o â—ome_v to_o preserve_v what_o they_o write_v imprint_v character_n on_o slice_n of_o ivory_n thence_o call_v libri_fw-la elephantini_n in_o tacitus_n and_o flavius_n vopiscus_n thus_o sculpture_n be_v one_o ancient_a way_n of_o write_v among_o man_n of_o whiâ—â—_n the_o first_o instance_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o aâ—oliab_n who_o wâ—â—_n the_o chief_a master_n of_o 23._o engrave_v and_o that_o by_o the_o particular_a inspiration_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o fiâ—â—â—_n improver_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o letter_n this_o be_v 〈◊〉_d primitive_a write_v of_o mankind_n the_o first_o lettâ—â—â—_n be_v cut_v and_o engrave_v which_o indeed_o may_v be_v fouâ—â—_n in_o the_o very_a word_n for_o to_o grave_n be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v thence_o derive_v without_o doubt_n as_o hither_o to_o we_o have_v see_v by_o help_n of_o the_o sacrâ—â—_n record_v that_o sculpture_n or_o eâ—â—râ—tion_n be_v the_o anâ—â—_n ent_a sort_n of_o character_n so_o these_o likewise_o inâ—oâ—_n we_o that_o paint_n be_v the_o next_o i._o e._n that_o lettâ—â—â—_n be_v general_o draw_v and_o portray_v in_o some_o blaâ—â—_n or_o â—able_a kind_n of_o colour_v and_o to_o this_o end_n iâ—â—stead_o of_o those_o hard_a material_n which_o be_v madâ—_n use_v of_o in_o write_v before_o there_o be_v other_o afterwards_o find_v out_o of_o a_o more_o tractable_a nature_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o mention_v those_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d seldom_o and_o little_o use_v as_o leauâ—s_n of_o tree_n espeâ—â—â—ally_o 11._o palm_n which_o be_v the_o way_n â—f_o the_o â—_o siâ—â—â—_n transmit_v some_o of_o their_o verse_n and_o that_o of_o old_a they_o write_v sometime_o on_o leave_v not_o only_o of_o tree_n but_o flower_n be_v more_o than_o once_o witness_v by_o virgil_n and_o ovid._n still_o to_o this_o day_n we_o seem_v to_o retain_v the_o memory_n of_o this_o ancient_a way_n of_o write_v when_o we_o say_v a_o leaf_n of_o paper_n and_o book_n in_o folio_n nor_o be_v the_o thin_a coat_n or_o rind_n which_o be_v between_o the_o bark_n and_o body_n of_o tree_n and_o be_v use_v in_o write_v of_o old_a as_o 30._o several_a relate_v and_o from_o whence_o come_v the_o name_n of_o liber_n at_o first_o mention_v by_o the_o holy_a writer_n because_o their_o use_n continue_v but_o a_o little_a time_n and_o they_o be_v of_o little_a service_n much_o less_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n say_v of_o write_v in_o linen_n which_o yet_o 1._o livy_n 11._o pliny_n antonino_n vopiscus_n and_o other_o take_v notice_n of_o because_o this_o be_v use_v among_o the_o indian_n and_o such_o remote_a people_n as_o the_o sacred_a history_n have_v no_o occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o but_o those_o material_n for_o write_v which_o be_v of_o constant_a use_n and_o that_o among_o most_o nation_n as_o papyr_n and_o parchment_n be_v either_o express_o mention_v or_o tacit_o refer_v to_o the_o former_a be_v make_v of_o broad_a rush_n and_o flag_n which_o grow_v in_o great_a abundance_n in_o egypt_n of_o which_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n foretell_v the_o confusion_n of_o that_o country_n speak_v ch_n 19_o v._n 6_o 7._o the_o reed_n and_o flag_n shall_v wither_v the_o paper-reed_n by_o the_o brook_n shall_v wither_v be_v drive_v away_o and_o be_v no_o more_o the_o gnaroth_n the_o material_n for_o write_v which_o be_v so_o celebrate_v all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a commodity_n of_o egypt_n and_o which_o bring_v in_o so_o great_a revenue_n to_o that_o nation_n these_o even_o these_o shall_v decay_v the_o traffic_n of_o they_o shall_v cease_v yea_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o moses_n be_v lay_v in_o a_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n exod._n 2._o 3._o a_o loc_n great_a critic_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o papyrus_fw-la be_v mean_v here_o and_o for_o this_o he_o quote_v 4._o lucan_n conseritur_fw-la bibulâ_fw-la memphitis_n cymba_fw-la papyro_fw-la and_o before_o he_o st._n jerom_n the_o most_o critical_a of_o all_o the_o father_n think_v the_o egyptian_a rush_n of_o which_o the_o first_o paper_n be_v make_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n and_o therefore_o gome_n which_o be_v the_o word_n here_o use_v be_v render_v by_o he_o papyrus_n and_o he_o it_o be_v likely_a have_v this_o from_o 5._o josepâ—us_n who_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o ark_n in_o which_o moses_n be_v secure_v be_v make_v of_o this_o great_a flag_n grow_v on_o the_o bank_n of_o nile_n of_o which_o they_o make_v leave_n to_o write_v on_o and_o whence_o our_o paper_n at_o this_o day_n have_v its_o name_n it_o be_v divide_v into_o thin_a flake_n which_o be_v press_v and_o dry_v in_o the_o sun_n and_o so_o be_v make_v serviceable_a to_o write_v upon_o in_o some_o tolerable_a manner_n of_o this_o 11._o pliny_n and_o several_a other_o writer_n speak_v and_o thence_o nile_n be_v call_v papyriferus_fw-la by_o 15._o ovid._n parchment_n which_o be_v make_v of_o sheep_n skin_n or_o the_o thin_a skin_n of_o other_o animal_n dress_v be_v another_o thing_n they_o write_v upon_o the_o best_a of_o this_o sort_n be_v make_v at_o pergamus_n and_o thence_o have_v its_o name_n pergamena_n but_o it_o be_v invent_v before_o attalus_n king_n of_o peragamus_fw-la his_o time_n though_o the_o contrary_n have_v be_v believe_v by_o some_o man_n and_o be_v in_o use_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o egyptian_a papyrus_fw-la be_v only_o this_o be_v use_v for_o common_a purpose_n and_o the_o other_o for_o more_o choice_n write_v and_o such_o as_o they_o design_v shall_v last_v a_o long_a time_n therefore_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v transcribe_v into_o this_o moses_n write_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n gnal_n sepher_n upon_o a_o book_n deut._n 31._o 24._o i_o e._n on_o parchment_n say_v jonathan_n the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v on_o the_o place_n for_o so_o he_o and_o other_o learned_a jew_n understand_v the_o text._n this_o be_v mean_v by_o megillah_n a_o roll_n ezra_n 6._o 2._o and_o megillah_n sepher_v a_o roll_n of_o a_o book_n jer._n 36._o 2._o and_o gillaion_n a_o roll_n isa._n 8._o 1._o and_o a_o scroll_n roll_v together_o isa._n 34._o 4._o for_o it_o be_v parchment_n which_o be_v of_o some_o consistency_n not_o thin_a and_o weak_a paper_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v thus_o roll_v up_o to_o this_o terpsichore_n herodotus_n refer_v when_o he_o say_v that_o writing_n on_o skin_n be_v use_v by_o the_o barbarian_n mean_v the_o eastern_a people_n especial_o the_o jew_n and_o 2._o josepâ—us_n avouch_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o sheet_n of_o parchment_n exact_o join_v and_o fasten_v together_o of_o which_o testimony_n of_o his_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o another_o place_n it_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o interpreter_n that_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v mean_v write_v parchment_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 13._o but_o i_o have_v heretofore_o propose_v another_o sense_n of_o that_o word_n and_o therefore_o i_o make_v no_o use_n of_o this_o place_n here_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o scroll_n roll_v together_o rev._n 6._o 14._o refer_v to_o this_o and_o though_o i_o will_v not_o aver_v that_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translator_n render_v paper_n 2_o joh._n v_o 12._o be_v to_o be_v understand_v parchment_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o improbable_a for_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a word_n to_o signify_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o write_v upon_o whether_o egyptian_a reed_n or_o leave_v of_o lead_n or_o gold_n or_o stone_n or_o wood_n or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o write_v material_n before_o specify_v the_o matter_n whatever_o it_o be_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o charta_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o from_o the_o hebrew_n charath_n seulpsit_fw-la exaravit_fw-la for_o this_o be_v a_o general_a term_n and_o signify_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v character_n engrave_v or_o write_v upon_o it_o but_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o material_n on_o which_o they_o write_v of_o old_a but_o of_o the_o instrument_n with_o which_o they_o form_v their_o letter_n on_o they_o i_o mean_v here_o such_o as_o be_v of_o common_a use_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o it_o shall_v say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o rubrica_fw-la mention_v by_o 5._o persius_n and_o other_o which_o serve_v sometime_o instead_o of_o pen_n and_o ink._n with_o this_o they_o write_v oâ—_n rather_o mark_v their_o title_n of_o book_n whence_o that_o of_o 14._o juvenal_n
contain_v and_o here_o be_v those_o choice_a material_n which_o no_o other_o history_n furnish_v we_o with_o but_o i_o shall_v be_v endless_a if_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v here_o by_o particularise_v therefore_o i_o will_v not_o launch_v out_o but_o only_o commend_v to_o the_o reader_n the_o learned_a endeavour_n of_o strigelius_n in_o his_o commentary_n on_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n king_n chronicle_n where_o he_o will_v be_v ample_o convince_v of_o the_o unparalleled_a diversity_n multiplicity_n and_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o historical_a example_n in_o scripture_n the_o ancient_a poetry_n be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o as_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o historian_n so_o he_o be_v the_o first_o poet_n that_o be_v extant_a a_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o that_o eucharistick_a song_n which_o he_o compose_v upon_o his_o pass_v the_o red_a sea_n and_o be_v record_v in_o exod._n 15._o a_o admirable_a hymn_n it_o be_v and_o in_o hexameter_n verse_n if_o 14._o josephus_n may_v be_v judge_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o if_o a_o christian_a father_n may_v be_v credit_v who_o have_v more_o hebrew_n than_o most_o of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n yea_o more_o than_o all_o of_o they_o except_o origen_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v true_a or_o no_o this_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o poetry_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v the_o priority_n of_o this_o of_o moses_n for_o orpheus_n who_o be_v reckon_v by_o the_o pagan_n as_o the_o first_o poet_n be_v according_a to_o the_o most_o favourable_a computation_n of_o some_o of_o their_o historian_n three_o hundred_o year_n after_o moses_n and_o homer_n be_v towards_o six_o hundred_o beside_o this_o divine_a hymn_n there_o be_v other_o ancient_a one_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n record_v in_o the_o same_o authentic_a write_n viz._n deborah_n song_n judg._n 5._o which_o have_v many_o noble_a flight_n of_o poetry_n and_o that_o of_o hannah_n the_o mother_n of_o samuel_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 1_o etc._n etc._n which_o have_v excellent_a poetic_a rapture_n and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o will_v offer_v this_o conjecture_n that_o perhaps_o from_o miriam_n bear_n her_o part_n in_o moses_n song_n exod._a 15â—_n 20_o 21._o and_o from_o these_o other_o woman_n poetic_a inspiration_n which_o come_v to_o be_v celebrate_v among_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n the_o poet_n who_o as_o i_o have_v large_o show_v elsewhere_o have_v frequent_a reference_n to_o the_o old_a testament_n take_v occasion_n to_o report_v that_o poetry_n be_v of_o female_a extraction_n and_o that_o calliope_n one_o of_o that_o sex_n be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o faculty_n other_o famous_a instance_n there_o be_v here_o of_o this_o sacred_a art_n as_o david_n incomparable_a elegy_n on_o the_o death_n of_o saul_n and_o jonathan_n 2_o sam._n 1._o 16_o etc._n etc._n that_o gratulatory_a hymn_n in_o the_o 12_o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n hezekiah_n song_n of_o praise_n in_o the_o 38th_o of_o the_o same_o prophet_n habakkuk_n lofty_a description_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o greatness_n in_o poetic_a number_n chap._n 3._o the_o style_n of_o which_o be_v far_o more_o sublime_a and_o majestic_a than_o any_o of_o orpheus_n or_o pindar_n ode_n i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n of_o skill_n and_o that_o have_v a_o right_a poetic_a genius_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o true_a and_o as_o there_o be_v these_o single_a hymn_n and_o song_n so_o there_o be_v just_a poem_n for_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v six_o that_o be_v compose_v and_o write_v in_o verse_n viz._n the_o book_n of_o job_n the_o psalm_n proverb_n ecclesiaste_n canticle_n lamentation_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o hebrew_n poesy_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o verse_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n the_o learned_a 21._o mersennus_n and_o other_o have_v give_v we_o some_o account_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v very_o short_a and_o mean_a and_o much_o of_o it_o be_v mere_a surmise_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o it_o a_o late_a writer_n have_v attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o hebrew_n verse_n or_o poetry_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v in_o rhythm_n which_o i_o believe_v be_v true_a in_o many_o place_n and_o if_o the_o pronunciation_n and_o sound_n be_v the_o very_a same_o now_o that_o they_o be_v when_o these_o poetic_a book_n be_v compose_v we_o shall_v observe_v the_o cadence_n in_o they_o more_o frequent_o but_o he_o go_v too_o far_o in_o assert_v that_o all_o the_o hebrew_n poesy_n in_o scripture_n be_v rhythm_v for_o they_o be_v not_o so_o exact_a at_o first_o though_o the_o verse_n end_v with_o the_o same_o sound_v sometime_o yet_o general_o they_o take_v a_o liberty_n upon_o examination_n we_o may_v find_v this_o to_o be_v true_a and_o i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v something_o further_o of_o it_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v particular_o of_o the_o psalm_n but_o the_o other_o assertion_n viz._n that_o the_o psalm_n and_o other_o piece_n of_o hebrew_n poetry_n be_v always_o rhythmical_a necessary_o infer_v a_o great_a many_o fault_n and_o mistake_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o suppose_v several_a place_n to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o mangle_a for_o we_o do_v not_o find_v all_o the_o poetry_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o be_v such_o at_o this_o day_n and_o consequent_o subvert_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v allow_v of_o all_o that_o i_o will_v add_v under_o this_o head_n be_v that_o even_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o first_o and_o ancient_a writer_n be_v poet_n 1_o strabo_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o poetry_n be_v before_o prose_n and_o that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o imitation_n of_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o first_o philosopher_n write_v in_o verse_n as_o orpheus_n parmenide_n empedocles_n theognis_n phocylides_n etc._n etc._n and_o thence_o as_o sacr._n one_o of_o the_o learnede_a man_n of_o our_o age_n observe_v the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v call_v of_o old_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o carmina_fw-la the_o grecian_a oracle_n be_v deliver_v in_o verse_n concern_v the_o agathyrsi_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o aristotle_n that_o their_o law_n be_v all_o in_o metre_n concern_v the_o old_a german_n tacitus_n relate_v that_o their_o very_a record_n and_o annal_n be_v in_o verse_n and_o all_o this_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v in_o emulation_n of_o the_o first_o sacred_a writer_n the_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o who_o write_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n dictate_v in_o measure_n and_o some_o entire_a book_n be_v altogether_o metrical_a for_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o delight_n as_o well_o as_o profit_v with_o poetry_n let_v we_o join_v music_n it_o be_v of_o so_o near_a affinity_n with_o it_o and_o the_o first_o inventor_n of_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o inform_v we_o that_o jubal_n the_o son_n of_o lamech_v the_o six_o from_o adam_n be_v the_o father_n of_o such_o as_o handle_v the_o harp_n and_o organ_n gen._n 4._o 21._o from_o who_o name_n some_o have_v think_v the_o jubilee_n be_v call_v because_o it_o be_v proclaim_v with_o music_n the_o poet_n tell_v we_o that_o apollo_n and_o mercury_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o by_o who_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a they_o mean_v moses_n who_o first_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o this_o art_n and_o may_v well_o be_v represent_v by_o apollo_n because_o of_o his_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o by_o mercury_n because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o interpreter_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o his_o write_n and_o on_o other_o account_n merit_v that_o name_n as_o i_o have_v evidence_v in_o another_o place_n perhaps_o the_o story_n of_o pythagoras_n find_n our_o musical_a note_n from_o the_o stroke_n of_o the_o hammer_n upon_o the_o smith_n anvil_n be_v suggest_v from_o this_o that_o the_o first_o musical_a instrument_n be_v make_v of_o iron_n and_o brass_n the_o metal_n of_o the_o smith_n and_o brasier_n or_o if_o i_o shall_v guess_v it_o a_o downright_a mistake_n of_o tuâ—al_n for_o jubal_n son_n of_o the_o same_o father_n a_o smith_n for_o a_o musician_n or_o that_o it_o be_v suggest_v from_o the_o music_n of_o their_o nameâ—_n tuâ—al_a and_o jubal_n have_v some_o affinity_n in_o the_o sound_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o disprove_v it_o but_o that_o which_o be_v certain_a be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o first_o inventors_n oâ—_n other_o thing_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n so_o particular_o be_v he_o that_o find_v out_o music_n and_o by_o the_o harp_n and_o the_o organ_n all_o other_o musical_a instrument_n be_v mean_v whether_o pulsative_a or_o pneumatick_a and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o
history_n both_o domestieâ—_n and_o foreign_a all_o that_o be_v conversant_a in_o this_o way_n of_o study_n complain_v and_o that_o just_o of_o the_o erroneous_a misrepresentation_n of_o passage_n of_o all_o sort_n among_o historian_n and_o of_o our_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v or_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n because_o god_n himself_o speak_v there_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v the_o surâ—â—_n ground_n for_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o can_v desire_v there_o be_v no_o authority_n so_o firm_a as_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a there_o be_v no_o testimony_n so_o strong_a and_o valid_a as_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o such_o be_v that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o it_o most_o just_o challenge_v yea_o command_v our_o faith_n and_o assent_n this_o be_v the_o singular_a pre-eminence_n and_o advantage_n which_o this_o book_n have_v above_o all_o other_o that_o the_o penman_n of_o it_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o unerring_a spirit_n of_o god_n this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v and_o six_o we_o it_o be_v the_o most_o stable_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o proper_a basis_n of_o our_o belief_n even_o where_o thing_n that_o be_v very_o improbable_a be_v propound_v to_o we_o to_o be_v assent_v to_o beside_o as_o to_o the_o seem_a improbability_n of_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o many_o person_n be_v wont_a to_o look_v upon_o these_o passage_n and_o story_n as_o strange_a and_o almost_o incredible_a which_o they_o observe_v be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o manner_n custom_n art_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v at_o present_a and_o thence_o they_o be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n heretofore_o but_o these_o man_n do_v not_o well_o consider_v nor_o distinguish_v between_o those_o time_n and_o these_o which_o be_v exceed_o different_a and_o moreover_o if_o they_o suspend_v their_o belief_n of_o some_o thing_n which_o they_o read_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n because_o they_o see_v other_o thing_n now_o thing_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n they_o may_v as_o well_o disbelieve_v all_o the_o other_o history_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o be_v extant_a which_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o be_v very_o backward_o to_o do_v and_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n on_o their_o side_n because_o the_o world_n be_v not_o now_o as_o it_o be_v then_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o those_o time_n shall_v be_v full_o conformable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o what_o occur_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n for_o this_o reason_n a_o very_a 11._o solid_a and_o judicious_a writer_n have_v defend_v the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n whereof_o whatever_n be_v strange_a be_v in_o herodotus_n and_o pliny_n show_v that_o though_o some_o fabulous_a narration_n and_o many_o gross_a mistake_v and_o error_n be_v intermingle_v the_o strangeness_n of_o some_o passage_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o diversity_n of_o time_n the_o posture_n of_o the_o world_n have_v much_o change_v since_o those_o thing_n happen_v let_v we_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o reason_v in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o when_o we_o find_v several_a strange_a unusual_a and_o surprise_v matter_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n impute_v this_o to_o the_o antientness_n of_o they_o and_o the_o great_a discrepancy_n between_o those_o day_n and_o these_o we_o now_o live_v in_o if_o we_o do_v so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o impediment_n to_o our_o steady_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o nay_o if_o we_o weigh_v thing_n well_o we_o shall_v see_v it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o expect_v that_o the_o guise_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o 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septuagint_n and_o latin_a version_n and_o according_a to_o they_o in_o our_o english_a bibles_n into_o these_o three_o sort_n historical_a doctrinal_a and_o prophetical_a the_o historical_a book_n be_v narrative_n of_o thing_n do_v and_o these_o be_v fifteen_o whereof_o genesis_n be_v the_o first_o and_o job_n the_o last_o or_o if_o you_o reckon_v the_o two_o part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o samuel_n and_o the_o king_n and_o those_o likewise_o of_o the_o chronicle_n as_o distinct_a book_n than_o there_o be_v eighteen_o in_o all_o the_o doctrinal_a book_n be_v such_o as_o purposely_o and_o whole_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o devotion_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n these_o be_v four_o the_o psalm_n the_o proverb_n ecclesiaste_n and_o solomon_n song_n the_o prophetic_a book_n be_v those_o which_o consist_v chief_o in_o prediction_n concern_v the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o church_n the_o punishment_n of_o its_o enemy_n and_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh._n these_o be_v write_v 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but_o because_o we_o can_v have_v leisure_n to_o do_v so_o in_o all_o the_o other_o that_o follow_v i_o will_v offer_v here_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o it_o in_o this_o first_o inspire_a writer_n who_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v he_o be_v bear_v about_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 2370_o in_o egypt_n of_o hebrew_n parent_n who_o present_o read_v in_o his_o face_n 20._o extraordinary_a mark_n of_o divinity_n and_o therefore_o be_v unwilling_a to_o discover_v his_o birth_n to_o the_o egyptian_n that_o he_o may_v not_o according_a to_o pharaoh_n order_n be_v hurry_v into_o nile_n and_o there_o drown_v however_o in_o this_o river_n they_o resolve_v to_o expose_v he_o in_o a_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n and_o to_o commit_v both_o he_o and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o little_a vessel_n in_o which_o he_o be_v embark_v to_o the_o great_a pilot_n of_o the_o world_n and_o behold_v it_o arrive_v at_o a_o safe_a harbour_n and_o no_o mean_a a_o person_n than_o the_o king_n daughter_n receive_v 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lose_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o royal_a patroness_n and_o with_o that_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v great_a yea_o though_o he_o shall_v incur_v the_o danger_n of_o be_v miserable_a above_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o former_a happiness_n 26._o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n his_o hebrew_a brethren_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n in_o pharaoh_n court_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o or_o for_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n in_o egypt_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o 23._o he_o visit_v his_o brethren_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n who_o now_o groan_v under_o their_o extreme_a bondage_n and_o slavery_n in_o that_o country_n he_o bold_o 24_o defend_v they_o when_o â—e_n see_v they_o suffer_v wrong_a and_o avenge_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o oppress_a and_o smite_v the_o egyptian_n this_o make_v he_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o egyptian_a lord_n and_o taskmaster_n who_o present_o go_v and_o represent_v his_o carriage_n to_o the_o court_n and_o thereupon_o he_o be_v banish_v thence_o for_o his_o dare_a to_o take_v the_o part_n of_o any_o of_o those_o hebrew_n bondslave_n 29._o then_o flee_v moses_n into_o the_o land_n of_o midian_a and_o be_v a_o shepherd_n there_o 30_o forty_o year_n just_a as_o many_o as_o he_o have_v be_v a_o courtier_n this_o be_v the_o sudden_a change_n of_o his_o condition_n and_o he_o make_v it_o serviceable_a to_o the_o best_a ends._n he_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v to_o come_v into_o it_o with_o the_o great_a vigour_n for_o his_o retire_a life_n fit_v he_o for_o public_a achievement_n afterward_o his_o contemplative_a and_o solitary_a way_n of_o live_v prepare_v he_o for_o action_n his_o low_a and_o mean_a estate_n be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o his_o be_v call_v to_o a_o high_a one_o god_n bestow_v not_o on_o a_o man_n magnificence_n unless_o he_o first_o make_v trial_n of_o he_o in_o some_o small_a 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true_a philosopher_n there_o be_v notable_a example_n of_o this_o in_o athens_n where_o aristides_n themistocles_n miltiades_n pericles_n photion_n alcibiades_n and_o several_a other_o be_v as_o celebrate_v philospher_n as_o commander_n and_o captain_n they_o be_v renown_v for_o their_o great_a wit_n and_o judgement_n and_o for_o as_o great_a valour_n and_o conduct_n as_o wife_n man_n they_o know_v how_o to_o regulate_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o manner_n as_o skilful_a ruler_n and_o governor_n they_o know_v how_o to_o rectify_v the_o behaviour_n of_o other_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o moses_n want_v not_o this_o double_a advantage_n be_v verse_v both_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o best_a philosophy_n and_o the_o wise_a government_n and_o be_v able_a to_o act_v according_a to_o both_o his_o learning_n and_o contemplation_n be_v reduce_v into_o exercise_n he_o by_o they_o not_o only_o understand_v but_o practise_v the_o art_n of_o war_n and_o well_o govern_v he_o know_v how_o 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a_o consequent_a of_o they_o the_o many_o disappointment_n and_o cross_n he_o meet_v with_o the_o various_a judgement_n and_o plague_n which_o be_v inflict_v on_o he_o and_o his_o people_n by_o god_n the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n be_v the_o history_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n under_o the_o reign_v of_o their_o several_a king_n the_o first_o contain_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o david_n and_o his_o death_n the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n of_o that_o nation_n under_o solomon_n who_o succeed_v he_o his_o erect_n and_o consecrate_v of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n his_o scandalous_a defection_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o sudden_a decay_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n after_o his_o death_n when_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o kingdom_n under_o rehoboam_n who_o reign_v over_o the_o two_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n and_o under_o jeroboam_fw-la who_o be_v king_n over_o the_o other_o ten_o tribe_n that_o revolt_v from_o the_o 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splendid_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o less_o calamitous_a than_o those_o of_o the_o common_a people_n good_a king_n be_v rare_a and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bad._n the_o best_a king_n have_v their_o fault_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o a_o very_a scandalous_a nature_n there_o be_v little_a piety_n in_o prince_n court_n and_o as_o little_a integrity_n and_o honesty_n the_o people_n be_v easy_o induce_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o religion_n and_o manner_n too_o often_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o superior_n good_a king_n be_v the_o great_a blessing_n and_o wicked_a one_o be_v the_o great_a curse_n to_o a_o nation_n prince_n mistake_v their_o measure_n when_o they_o either_o disobey_v god_n or_o oppress_v their_o people_n tyrannical_a prince_n procure_v their_o own_o ruin_n the_o sin_n and_o vice_n of_o ruler_n prove_v fatal_a to_o their_o subject_n public_a enormity_n be_v punish_v with_o public_a and_o national_a calamity_n king_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o minister_n they_o choose_v and_o make_v use_n of_o those_o counsel_n that_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n be_v most_o successful_a evil_a counselor_n contrive_v their_o own_o destruction_n war_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o fight_v against_o god_n the_o success_n of_o arm_n depend_v upon_o the_o divine_a blessing_n the_o church_n be_v never_o more_o shock_a then_o under_o bad_a prince_n religion_n and_o reformation_n be_v never_o effectual_o promote_v unless_o the_o great_a one_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o they_o division_n and_o rent_n about_o religion_n have_v immediate_a influence_n on_o secular_a affair_n and_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v the_o state_n be_v so_o too_o the_o revolution_n in_o both_o be_v by_o the_o particular_a disposal_n of_o the_o wise_a over-ruler_n of_o the_o world_n true_a religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v attend_v with_o earthly_a reward_n and_o blessing_n and_o the_o contrary_n bring_v down_o the_o great_a plague_n even_o in_o this_o world_n the_o worst_a time_n afford_v some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a religious_a and_o zealous_a men._n whatever_o change_n and_o revolution_n happen_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o church_n of_o god_n remain_v secure_a though_o there_o be_v great_a and_o frequent_a defection_n yet_o there_o never_o be_v a_o total_a extinction_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n the_o church_n be_v impregnable_a this_o rock_n be_v immovable_a and_o many_o other_o proposition_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v of_o great_a service_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o these_o excellent_a history_n ezra_n be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o comprise_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o time_n that_o cyrus_n make_v the_o edict_n for_o their_o return_n until_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la which_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n for_o the_o jew_n return_v from_o babylon_n be_v at_o two_o several_a time_n viz._n first_o in_o the_o day_n of_o cyrus_n the_o first_o perâ—â—an_n monarch_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o zerubbabel_n their_o captain_n and_o jeshua_n their_o high_a priest_n here_o be_v record_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o return_v cyrus_n proclamation_n for_o the_o rebuild_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o lay_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o the_o retard_v of_o the_o work_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o two_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n at_o last_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o darius_n reign_n the_o second_o return_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o artaxerxes_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o ezra_n a_o priest_n who_o have_v be_v a_o courtier_n in_o the_o persian_a court_n and_o be_v send_v into_o judea_n by_o artaxerxes_n in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n which_o be_v above_o eighty_o year_n after_o the_o first_o return_n in_o cyrus_n time_n to_o expedite_v the_o building_n of_o jerusalem_n this_o pious_a reformer_n observe_v the_o people_n 〈◊〉_d with_o stranger_n and_o infidel_n and_o their_o join_a themselves_o to_o they_o in_o marriage_n proclaim_v a_o solemn_a fast_o and_o pray_v and_o mourn_v and_o lament_v their_o gross_a miscarriage_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n and_o zeal_n exhort_v they_o to_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o avert_v god_n wrath_n and_o conciliate_v his_o favour_n and_o pardon_n this_o be_v that_o ezra_n who_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n and_o who_o be_v also_o a_o restorer_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o collect_v and_o methodise_v they_o into_o certain_a order_n and_o review_v the_o copy_n and_o amend_v all_o errata_n that_o be_v contract_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n nehemiah_n who_o
write_v the_o book_n which_o bear_v his_o name_n be_v a_o jew_n cupbearer_n to_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o return_v into_o judea_n thirteen_o year_n after_o ezra_n there_o be_v another_o nehemiah_n who_o come_v with_o those_o that_o return_v at_o first_o from_o babylon_n ezra_n 2._o 2._o but_o he_o who_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o come_v afterward_o by_o artaxerxes_n leave_n in_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o go_v back_o to_o persia_n again_o twelve_o year_n after_o neh._n 5._o 14._o this_o writer_n begin_v where_o ezra_n leave_v of_o and_o continue_v the_o history_n of_o the_o building_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o deportment_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o time_n from_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o darius_n about_o fifty_o year_n in_o all_o as_o ezra_n chief_o relate_v the_o restore_a of_o religion_n and_o erect_v the_o temple_n so_o this_o author_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o building_n of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v restore_v in_o several_a particular_n he_o show_v what_o be_v the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o people_n and_o how_o they_o be_v redress_v even_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o tell_v we_o what_o method_n he_o take_v of_o regulate_v both_o their_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a affair_n in_o short_a of_o reform_v both_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v even_o then_o so_o early_o corrupt_v from_o the_o whole_a both_o here_o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n we_o be_v teach_v many_o useful_a lesson_n but_o this_o above_o all_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v power_n to_o extinguish_v this_o little_a flock_n israel_n be_v not_o always_o a_o captive_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n babylon_n send_v back_o her_o prisoner_n and_o bondman_n her_o very_a enemy_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a direction_n of_o heaven_n promote_v her_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n for_o we_o be_v inform_v from_o this_o part_n of_o sacred_a history_n that_o god_n stir_v up_o even_o the_o persian_a monarch_n to_o restore_v his_o people_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o when_o they_o be_v there_o to_o help_v and_o assist_v they_o and_o to_o baffle_v all_o their_o opposer_n the_o book_n of_o esther_n be_v a_o particular_a history_n of_o what_o happen_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o captivity_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o ahasuerus_n one_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n whether_o he_o be_v artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la as_o raleigh_n some_o think_v or_o artaxerxes_n mnemon_n as_o most_o author_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a say_v or_o artaxerxes_n ochus_n as_o serarius_n hold_v or_o xerxes_n the_o four_o persian_a monarch_n according_a to_o scaliger_n or_o darius_n the_o son_n of_o hystaspes_n or_o cambyses_n for_o so_o various_a aâ—e_n the_o opinion_n of_o author_n i_o will_v not_o here_o dispute_v only_o we_o know_v that_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o the_o profane_a intend_v the_o same_o person_n sometime_o though_o they_o give_v different_a name_n the_o story_n be_v this_o haman_n a_o great_a favourite_n and_o minion_n of_o the_o king_n and_o advance_v to_o great_a honour_n by_o he_o be_v high_o incense_v against_o mordecai_n one_o of_o the_o captive_a jew_n because_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v he_o reverence_n and_o to_o bow_n to_o he_o whereupon_o he_o resolve_v for_o his_o sake_n to_o compass_v the_o destruction_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o territory_n and_o to_o that_o end_n gain_v a_o decree_n from_o the_o king_n to_o put_v they_o all_o to_o the_o sword_n but_o this_o wicked_a design_n be_v happy_o frustrate_v by_o mean_n of_o esther_n a_o jewish_a captive_a virgin_n who_o for_o her_o transcendent_a beauty_n have_v a_o little_a time_n before_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o throne_n and_o now_o prevail_v with_o her_o royal_a husband_n to_o spare_v the_o life_n of_o her_o dear_a countryman_n in_o this_o manner_n haman_n curse_a conspiracy_n be_v defeat_v he_o himself_o advance_v to_o a_o gibbet_n and_o that_o of_o his_o own_o prepare_v the_o jew_n deliver_v from_o their_o fear_n and_o danger_n mordecai_n who_o discover_v this_o bloody_a design_n to_o queen_n esther_n and_o who_o have_v before_o that_o discover_v another_o conspiracy_n viz._n against_o the_o king_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o chronicle_n and_o about_o this_o time_n read_v to_o he_o and_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n serviceable_a by_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o bring_v about_o this_o happy_a frustration_n of_o haman_n plot_n this_o mordecai_n i_o say_v be_v prefer_v unto_o the_o great_a honour_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o by_o let_v i_o suggest_v that_o perhaps_o from_o his_o ride_v the_o king_n horse_n and_o thereby_o be_v prefer_v to_o kingly_a dignity_n the_o story_n of_o darius_n be_v make_v king_n of_o persia_n by_o the_o neigh_v of_o his_o horse_n have_v its_o rise_n for_o as_o i_o have_v often_o have_v occasion_n in_o another_o place_n to_o prove_v the_o gentile_a historian_n mistake_v one_o person_n for_o another_o the_o heart_n and_o mouth_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o king_n province_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o a_o annual_a festival_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o all_o succeed_a generation_n in_o remembrance_n of_o this_o singular_a and_o unexpected_a deliverance_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o this_o short_a history_n in_o which_o there_o be_v many_o admirable_a and_o surprise_v circumstance_n which_o though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v particular_o relate_v here_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o god_n singular_a providence_n and_o goodness_n to_o his_o church_n in_o discover_v and_o defeat_v the_o contrivance_n of_o her_o malicious_a and_o cruel_a enemy_n in_o deliver_v she_o in_o her_o great_a extremity_n and_o in_o bring_v vengeance_n and_o ruin_n on_o the_o head_n of_o those_o who_o plot_n her_o downfall_n as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n there_o be_v no_o agreement_n among_o writer_n though_o one_o will_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v mordecai'_v by_o reading_z ch_z 9_o v._n 20._o and_o ch_n 12._o of_o apocryphal_a esther_n v_o 4._o the_o next_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v job_n who_o book_n may_v have_v be_v place_v next_o to_o the_o pentateuch_n if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o be_v general_o believe_v that_o he_o live_v about_o moses_n time_n though_o selden_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o he_o live_v a_o considerable_a time_n before_o the_o israelite_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o be_v before_o moses_n it_o be_v write_v by_o himself_o say_v origen_n and_o suidas_n but_o the_o rabbin_n general_o pronounce_v moses_n the_o author_n other_o make_v solomon_n the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n discover_v as_o they_o think_v his_o manner_n of_o speak_v in_o it_o the_o most_o probable_a account_n be_v that_o the_o material_n of_o this_o book_n be_v draw_v up_o first_o by_o joâ—_a himself_o or_o one_o or_o all_o of_o his_o pious_a friend_n that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o here_o and_o that_o they_o come_v to_o moses_n hand_n as_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a master_n tell_v we_o or_o afterward_o to_o solomon_n be_v make_v up_o into_o hebrew_n verse_n as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n be_v of_o this_o composure_n and_o indeed_o be_v the_o first_o poetical_a book_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o bible_n whence_o we_o may_v infer_v something_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o as_o mensal_n m._n luther_n well_o observe_v job_n and_o his_o friend_n speak_v not_o all_o the_o very_a word_n which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o book_n for_o man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o speak_v in_o verse_n in_o their_o discourse_n one_o with_o another_o and_o especial_o in_o such_o a_o lofty_a style_n of_o poetry_n as_o we_o read_v here_o sometime_o but_o this_o be_v true_a that_o both_o their_o thought_n and_o word_n be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o what_o be_v here_o write_v and_o thing_n actual_o and_o real_o happen_v as_o they_o be_v here_o represent_v only_o the_o whole_a argument_n be_v clothe_v in_o verse_n the_o individual_a and_o express_a word_n which_o they_o all_o the_o time_n use_v be_v not_o always_o write_v down_o neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v but_o we_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n attend_v to_o the_o talmudick_n doctor_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o a_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o write_v in_o a_o parabolical_a way_n to_o exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n a_o eminent_a example_n of_o patience_n nor_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o parisaan_n patr._n professor_n to_o be_v tolerate_v who_o say_v the_o history_n be_v true_a but_o the_o
come_v to_o pass_v without_o the_o divine_a permission_n grant_v and_o superintendence_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v more_o especial_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o book_n we_o be_v teach_v here_o not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o our_o maker_n not_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o heaven_n this_o do_v not_o become_v we_o in_o the_o least_o it_o be_v rather_o the_o deportment_n of_o a_o chinoise_n priest_n who_o have_v so_o much_o power_n over_o his_o god_n that_o he_o be_v suffer_v to_o beat_v and_o whip_v they_o when_o they_o do_v act_n as_o he_o think_v as_o he_o will_v have_v they_o we_o have_v likewise_o the_o wretched_a state_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n most_o graphical_o set_v forth_o in_o these_o dialogue_n we_o have_v god_n infinite_a justice_n and_o unfearchable_a wisdom_n full_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v we_o have_v the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n in_o some_o of_o his_o creature_n describe_v by_o himself_o in_o a_o style_n befit_v his_o majesty_n in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o we_o have_v the_o happy_a period_n of_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v peace_n god_n oftentimes_o reward_v good_a and_o upright_a man_n in_o this_o life_n with_o a_o great_a plenty_n of_o outward_a blessing_n and_o favour_n he_o be_v please_v to_o recompense_v they_o abundant_o for_o all_o their_o past_a calamity_n by_o double_v upon_o they_o all_o those_o mercy_n which_o he_o before_o deprive_v they_o of_o 12._o god_n bless_v the_o latter_a end_n of_o job_n more_o than_o his_o beginning_n he_o give_v he_o twice_o as_o much_o as_o he_o have_v before_o all_o blessing_n flow_v in_o now_o upon_o he_o in_o abundance_n first_o 9_o god_n accept_v he_o and_o then_o he_o be_v caress_v by_o his_o 11._o kindred_n and_o friend_n by_o his_o bretbren_n and_o sister_n and_o acquaintance_n he_o be_v present_v with_o 12._o gift_n his_o stock_n of_o cattle_n wherein_o the_o chief_a wealth_n of_o those_o country_n consist_v be_v increase_v and_o he_o be_v bless_v with_o 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subtle_a observation_n have_v leave_v we_o this_o censure_n on_o the_o book_n of_o job_n part._n whoever_o consider_v the_o subject_a and_o style_n of_o it_o will_v hardly_o think_v it_o be_v write_v in_o a_o age_n or_o country_n that_o want_v either_o book_n or_o learning_n the_o psalm_n be_v the_o next_o poetic_a book_n and_o they_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o david_n the_o chief_a author_n of_o they_o euthymius_n some_o indeed_o of_o the_o ancient_n hold_v that_o he_o be_v the_o sole_a author_n but_o they_o can_v scarce_o be_v credit_v in_o that_o because_o the_o title_n of_o the_o 90th_o psalm_n and_o other_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v compose_v by_o moses_n some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v think_v be_v make_v by_o asaph_n heman_n ethan_n jeduthun_n who_o be_v in_o david_n time_n but_o other_o think_v these_o be_v not_o sacred_a poet_n but_o only_o skilful_a musician_n or_o master_n of_o the_o choir_n and_o do_v not_o indite_v these_o psalm_n which_o bear_v their_o name_n but_o only_o set_v they_o to_o tune_n and_o sing_v they_o though_o a_o lightfoot_n modern_a writer_n be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o heman_n and_o ethan_n live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n and_o pen_v the_o 88th_o and_o 89th_o psalm_n on_o that_o occasion_n in_o the_o former_a condole_v their_o present_a distress_n in_o the_o latter_a prophesy_v of_o deliverance_n the_o 92d_o psalm_n be_v make_v by_o adam_n say_v the_o targum_fw-la and_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n general_o agree_v to_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o scarce_o deny_v by_o any_o that_o the_o 137th_o psalm_n be_v write_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o jew_n captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v make_v by_o david_n and_o other_o psalm_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v after_o their_o return_n the_o author_n of_o which_o be_v not_o know_v and_o some_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v indict_v by_o solomen_n as_o the_o 45th_o which_o be_v a_o song_n of_o love_n as_o the_o title_n acquaint_v we_o and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o strain_n with_o his_o other_o nuptial_a song_n insert_v by_o itself_o into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o may_v be_v conclude_v then_o that_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n be_v not_o the_o issue_n of_o one_o inspire_a brain_n only_o but_o yet_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v indict_v and_o write_v by_o david_n who_o have_v a_o excellent_a gift_n of_o poetry_n and_o psalmody_n of_o compose_v make_v and_o sing_v of_o pious_a song_n such_o be_v these_o psalm_n which_o except_v a_o few_o of_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v deserve_o call_v david_n psalm_n the_o denomination_n be_v take_v from_o the_o great_a part._n they_o be_v divide_v into_o five_o lesser_a book_n which_o you_o may_v know_v thus_o where_o you_o find_v a_o psalm_n end_v with_o amen_n as_o the_o 41st_o 72d_o 89th_o 106th_o and_o the_o last_o psalm_n there_o be_v the_o period_n of_o the_o book_n and_o another_o begin_v by_o this_o you_o may_v understand_v that_o passage_n in_o psal._n 72._o v_o ult_n the_o prayer_n of_o david_n the_o son_n of_o jesse_n be_v end_v i._n e._n here_o be_v a_o end_n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o david_n psalm_n the_o rest_n that_o follow_v be_v other_o collection_n of_o they_o of_o these_o some_o be_v alphabetical_a i._n e._n compose_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n such_o be_v the_o 119th_o psalm_n and_o be_v style_v by_o the_o masora_n the_o great_a alphabet_n the_o eight_o first_o verse_n begin_v with_o the_o first_o hebrew_a letter_n the_o succeed_a eight_o with_o the_o second_o and_o so_o throughout_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n and_o such_o be_v the_o 25_o 34th_o 37th_o 111th_o 112th_o 145th_o all_o write_v in_o alphabetic_a order_n the_o holy_a ghost_n even_o inspire_v the_o psalmist_n fancy_n in_o this_o particular_a it_o be_v likely_a the_o acrostic_n 〈◊〉_d ancient_a way_n of_o wit_n use_v by_o one_o of_o the_o sibylls_n and_o 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psal._n 22._o aâ—ieleth_n ha_o shachar_n which_o in_o the_o margin_n be_v render_v the_o hind_n of_o the_o morning_n perhaps_o refer_v to_o our_o saviour_n of_o who_o this_o psalm_n speak_v who_o be_v call_v a_o hind_n or_o young_a hart_n cant._n 2._o 9_o 17._o other_o interpret_v it_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o morning_n but_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o apply_v it_o otherâ—_n the_o morningstar_n some_o the_o instrument_n of_o music_n on_o which_o this_o psalm_n and_o other_o be_v play_v and_o the_o like_a obscure_a word_n as_o shiggaion_n gittith_n jeduthun_n altashith_n shushan_n eduth_n be_v prefix_v to_o many_o of_o these_o sacred_a hymn_n there_o be_v the_o word_n selah_n oftenâ—_n use_v sevenâ—y_a time_n at_o least_o in_o these_o divine_a poem_n but_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o assign_v the_o
as_o this_o of_o the_o pious_a king_n and_o prophet_n here_o be_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o beget_v religion_n and_o piety_n in_o we_o here_o be_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v serviceable_a to_o nourish_v and_o sustain_v all_o our_o virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o that_o in_o the_o utmost_a height_n of_o they_o before_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o next_o book_n i_o will_v add_v a_o few_o word_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o poetry_n here_o use_v this_o be_v to_o be_v say_v with_o great_a truth_n that_o these_o poetical_a measure_n be_v far_o different_a from_o those_o which_o we_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o in_o other_o writer_n but_o than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v that_o though_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a quality_n of_o these_o poetic_a number_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o melodious_a and_o lofty_a and_o not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o best_a poet_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a artificial_a meter_n observe_v in_o this_o book_n which_o render_v the_o several_a ode_n and_o hymn_n very_o delightful_a the_o euseâ—_n young_a scaliger_n deny_v and_o that_o with_o some_o earnestness_n and_o sharpness_n otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o show_v himself_o his_o father_n own_o son_n that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n like_o this_o in_o this_o book_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o grant_v that_o the_o proverb_n and_o almost_o all_o job_n be_v metrical_a but_o josephus_n and_o philo_n two_o learned_a jew_n and_o who_o may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o be_v competent_a judge_n in_o this_o matter_n attest_v the_o meet_a of_o these_o psalm_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n etc._n etc._n so_o do_v origen_n eusebius_n jerom_n and_o some_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a critic_n among_o the_o modern_n but_o then_o they_o confess_v that_o the_o meet_a be_v not_o so_o regular_a as_o that_o of_o succeed_a poet_n and_o who_o see_v not_o that_o even_o these_o exceed_o very_o in_o their_o measure_n 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poet_n yet_o so_o as_o we_o may_v oftentimes_o perceive_v a_o certain_a harmony_n of_o syllable_n and_o as_o the_o psalm_n be_v metrical_a so_o some_o of_o they_o be_v rhythmical_a this_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o these_o divine_a hymn_n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d again_o in_o psal._n 6._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v evident_a in_o psal._n 8._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v plain_a in_o psal._n 12._o 4._o &_o 51._o 16._o &_o 63._o 3._o &_o 116._o 7._o &_o 148._o 1_o 2._o and_o in_o abundance_n of_o other_o place_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o certain_a orderly_a number_n of_o syllable_n but_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n end_v alike_o in_o sound_n chap._n ix_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n why_o so_o call_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o these_o divine_a and_o inspire_a aphorism_n some_o instance_n of_o the_o different_a application_n of_o the_o similitude_n use_v by_o this_o author_n the_o book_n of_o 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render_v proverb_n sometime_o be_v signify_v i._o parable_n strict_o so_o call_v which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o apologue_n or_o artificial_a fable_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v under_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v none_o such_o in_o this_o book_n 2._o by_o this_o word_n be_v mean_v any_o 13._o trite_a and_o common_o receive_v say_v any_o vulgar_a proverbial_a speech_n as_o that_o in_o ch_n 26._o v._n 11._o the_o dog_n return_v to_o his_o vomit_n but_o there_o be_v few_o of_o this_o sort_n here_o 3._o sarcastic_a speech_n gibe_n taunt_n as_o in_o 2_o chron._n 7._o 20._o psal._n 69._o 11._o be_v intend_v by_o this_o expression_n and_o this_o book_n of_o solomon_n be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o these_o 4._o the_o hebrew_n word_n denote_v such_o speech_n as_o be_v by_o way_n of_o similitude_n ezek._n 18._o 2._o of_o which_o kind_n there_o be_v many_o in_o this_o book_n as_o that_o in_o ch_n 11._o 22._o as_o a_o jewel_n of_o gold_n in_o a_o swine_n snout_z so_o be_v a_o fair_a woman_n without_o discretion_n and_o in_o ch_z 25._o 11._o a_o word_n fit_o speak_v be_v like_a apple_n of_o gold_n in_o picture_n of_o silver_n this_o we_o find_v to_o be_v the_o frequent_a manner_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v in_o this_o book_n he_o general_o illustrate_v and_o amplify_v his_o doctrine_n by_o some_o fit_a simile_n or_o comparison_n so_o that_o thereby_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v twice_o deliver_v 5._o saying_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o some_o obscurity_n and_o intricacy_n such_o speech_n as_o require_v sharpness_n of_o wit_n and_o understanding_n both_o for_o propound_v and_o conceive_v they_o be_v denote_v by_o this_o word_n in_o scripture_n thus_o a_o intricate_a question_n or_o problem_n mashal_n be_v set_v down_o in_o psal._n 49._o 4_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o psalm_n there_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o problem_n a_o resolution_n of_o this_o difficult_a point_n proverbial_a sentence_n be_v sometime_o 〈◊〉_d enigmatical_a and_o have_v a_o mean_v far_o different_a from_o what_o the_o word_n direct_o signify_v thus_o you_o will_v find_v some_o saying_n that_o carry_v a_o mystical_a sense_n with_o they_o in_o this_o book_n as_o that_o in_o ch_n 9_o 17._o steal_v water_n be_v sweet_a and_o in_o ch_z 25._o v._n 27._o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o eat_v much_o honey_n and_o such_o like_a allegorical_a and_o allusive_a speech_n which_o contain_v in_o they_o a_o high_a sense_n than_o the_o bare_a word_n import_v this_o proverbial_a manner_n of_o speak_v and_o write_v be_v in_o great_a use_n and_o esteem_v among_o the_o hebrew_n and_o all_o the_o eastern_a country_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v to_o prove_v solomon_n with_o hard_a question_n 1_o king_n 10._o 1._o parable_n according_a to_o the_o chaldâ—e_n problem_n riddle_n these_o be_v the_o chidoth_n which_o the_o propound_v to_o be_v solve_v by_o he_o yea_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v may_v general_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o write_n of_o most_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o ancient_a time_n pythagoras_n and_o plato_n be_v much_o addict_v to_o this_o abstruse_a way_n and_o all_o their_o follower_n be_v delight_v in_o mystical_a representation_n of_o thing_n 6._o by_o this_o word_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v all_o wise_a and_o excellent_a say_n graviter_fw-la dicta_fw-la as_o the_o latin_n call_v they_o sentence_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n but_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o hebrew_n ancient_o call_v any_o say_v that_o have_v grace_n and_o wit_n in_o it_o mashal_n but_o especial_o any_o eminent_a speech_n or_o smart_n say_v for_o the_o use_v of_o life_n and_o direction_n of_o manner_n go_v under_o that_o name_n a_o moral_a or_o religious_a say_v that_o be_v of_o singular_a
jovin_n st._n jerom_n dau._n ambrose_n 52._o hilary_n 2._o cyril_n let_v we_o then_o forget_v his_o fault_n when_o we_o study_v his_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v no_o errata_n he_o be_v a_o interpreter_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o we_o and_o when_o he_o utter_v these_o thing_n be_v a_o friend_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n but_o suppose_v we_o know_v certain_o which_o we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v but_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o contrary_a that_o he_o be_v at_o last_o cast_v off_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o this_o do_v necessary_o invalidate_v his_o write_n god_n might_n if_o he_o please_v make_v use_n of_o a_o bad_a man_n to_o pen_v some_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o call_v judas_n to_o the_o apostleship_n and_o to_o be_v a_o eminent_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o solomon_n be_v a_o apostate_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o direct_a argument_n against_o the_o validity_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o write_n but_o there_o be_v such_o great_a probability_n not_o to_o say_v reason_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o need_v not_o fly_v to_o this_o answer_n but_o on_o good_a ground_n persuade_v ourselves_o that_o solomon_n who_o be_v once_o 〈◊〉_d with_o sacred_a wisdom_n never_o loâ—t_v it_o whole_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v prejudice_v against_o what_o he_o have_v write_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o gross_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n next_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o those_o who_o prophesy_v after_o the_o division_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n from_o the_o other_o two_o but_o before_o the_o captivity_n of_o either_o isaiah_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o eminent_a he_o be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a his_o father_n amoz_fw-mi being_z brother_n to_o azariah_n king_n of_o judâ—â—_n he_o be_v a_o old_a prophet_n have_v be_v in_o that_o employment_n under_o four_o king_n of_o judah_n as_o 1._o he_o tell_v we_o himself_o and_o all_o this_o time_n which_o be_v about_o threescore_o year_n he_o faithful_o discharge_v the_o part_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n in_o a_o impartial_a reprove_v of_o the_o vice_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o age_n he_o live_v in_o 〈◊〉_d a_o free_a and_o open_o display_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v impendent_a on_o that_o nation_n yet_o not_o forget_v to_o threaten_v and_o denounce_v vengeance_n on_o those_o foreign_a and_o strange_a people_n who_o be_v instrumental_a in_o inâ—â—â—cting_v these_o judgement_n and_o who_o for_o their_o cry_a enormity_n deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v viz._n aslyrian_o egyptian_n ethiopian_n moabite_n edomite_n tyrian_n arabian_n in_o a_o most_o pathetic_a exhortation_n to_o repentance_n and_o in_o set_v before_o they_o the_o promise_v of_o mercy_n and_o deliverance_n this_o last_o especial_o he_o be_v most_o famous_a for_o clear_o foretell_v the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o cyrus_n king_n of_o persia_n and_o this_o he_o express_o mention_v a_o hundred_o year_n before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o his_o prediction_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v the_o most_o remarkable_a of_o all_o he_o in_o plain_a term_n foretell_v not_o only_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o all_o the_o great_a and_o memorable_a passage_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o speak_v as_o clear_o and_o distinct_o of_o these_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v bless_v the_o world_n with_o his_o presence_n at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o write_v his_o prophecy_n he_o seem_v to_o speak_v say_v st._n isai._n jerom_n rather_o of_o thing_n past_a than_o to_o come_v and_o he_o may_v be_v call_v a_o evangelist_n rather_o than_o â—_o prophet_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n without_o doubt_n of_o the_o so_o frequent_a citation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o this_o book_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o christ_n himself_o his_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n have_v quote_v about_o threescore_o place_n out_o of_o it_o iâ—_n read_v of_o this_o book_n than_o we_o read_v the_o gospel_n itself_o we_o antedate_v the_o new_a testament_n by_o the_o write_n of_o this_o evangelical_n prophet_n i_o have_v intimate_v before_o that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o eloquent_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o be_v the_o hebrew_n demosthenes_n as_o 1._o grotius_n right_o style_v he_o the_o purity_n of_o hebraism_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o he_o as_o in_o the_o other_o that_o of_o atticism_n he_o use_v many_o scheme_n and_o figure_n but_o none_o be_v more_o remarkable_a than_o that_o for_o which_o that_o athenian_a orator_n be_v so_o applaud_v say_v quintilian_n his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o excellent_a art_n of_o add_v gravity_n force_n and_o vehemence_n to_o what_o he_o say_v he_o continual_o exaggerate_v and_o amplify_v the_o matter_n which_o he_o undertake_v he_o have_v above_o other_o prophet_n a_o advantage_n of_o improve_n his_o style_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o noble_a descent_n and_o converse_v with_o man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o elocution_n but_o the_o maiâ—_n thing_n wherein_o he_o excel_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v this_o that_o he_o say_v more_o of_o our_o lord_n christ_n than_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o this_o be_v his_o peculiar_a excellency_n that_o he_o make_v so_o early_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o advent_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n jeremiah_n be_v another_o ancient_a prophet_n he_o beginning_n to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o thirteen_o year_n of_o king_n josiah_n and_o continue_v in_o that_o sacred_a employment_n till_o the_o last_o year_n of_o king_n zedekiah_n he_o see_v the_o captivity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o samaria_n and_o after_o that_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n and_o of_o the_o temple_n part_v of_o this_o famous_a prophecy_n yea_o most_o of_o it_o be_v after_o the_o captivity_n of_o israel_n and_o before_o that_o of_o judah_n from_o chap._n 1._o to_o ch_z 44._o and_o part_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o latter_a captivity_n this_o prophet_n be_v not_o carry_v captive_a with_o the_o other_o jew_n but_o remain_v in_o judea_n and_o afterward_o carry_v into_o egypt_n from_o chap._n 44_o to_o the_o end_n in_o the_o whole_a be_v comprise_v many_o thing_n of_o great_a worth_n and_o moment_n for_o here_o wefind_v this_o divine_a prophet_n lay_v open_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n with_o a_o unparalleled_a freedom_n and_o boldness_n and_o remind_v they_o of_o the_o severe_a judgement_n which_o have_v befall_v the_o ten_o tribe_n for_o the_o very_a same_o offence_n and_o miscarriage_n here_o this_o weep_v prophet_n this_o jewish_a heraclitus_n most_o passionate_o lament_v the_o miserable_a condition_n which_o they_o be_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o and_o withal_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o prevent_v it_o namely_o by_o a_o speedy_a reform_v of_o their_o life_n but_o at_o last_o he_o more_o peremptory_o proclaim_v god_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n against_o they_o foresee_v and_o foretell_v the_o grievous_a calamity_n which_o be_v approach_v particular_o the_o seventy_o year_n captivity_n in_o chaldaea_n which_o begin_v as_o some_o think_v with_o the_o carry_v away_o of_o those_o of_o judah_n he_o also_o dissuade_v they_o from_o break_v faith_n with_o the_o chaldean_n after_o they_o be_v conquer_v by_o they_o and_o sheweth_z how_o unsuccessful_a thâ—y_n shall_v be_v in_o their_o revolt_n from_o they_o to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o even_o then_o he_o foretell_v their_o happy_a return_n and_o deliverance_n and_o likewise_o the_o just_a recompense_n which_o babylon_n moab_n the_o philistine_n and_o other_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v meet_v with_o in_o due_a time_n here_o be_v also_o several_a intimation_n concern_v christ_n the_o bless_a messiah_n and_o redeemer_n and_o concern_v his_o kingdom_n and_o government_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n here_o be_v many_o remarkable_a vision_n and_o type_n wherein_o be_v represent_v thing_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o last_o here_o be_v sundry_a historical_a passage_n of_o considerable_a moment_n which_o relate_v to_o those_o time_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v of_o inestimable_a worth_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n his_o lamentation_n which_o be_v in_o hebrew_a verse_n and_o be_v so_o contrive_v that_o in_o the_o four_o first_o chapter_n every_o verse_n except_v one_o begin_v with_o a_o hebrew_n letter_n in_o the_o alphabetick_a order_n be_v write_v on_o the_o death_n of_o that_o religious_a prince_n josiah_n which_o appear_v from_o what_o be_v record_v in_o a_o chron._n 35._o 25._o jeremiah_n lament_v for_o josiah_n and_o all_o the_o sing_a man_n and_o
the_o sing_a woman_n speak_v of_o josiah_n in_o their_o lamentation_n to_o this_o day_n and_o make_v 〈◊〉_d ordinance_n in_o israel_n and_o behold_v they_o be_v write_v iâ—_n the_o lamentation_n even_o those_o which_o this_o prophet_n compose_v which_o be_v also_o confirm_v by_o the_o 6_o jewish_a historian_n who_o vouch_v this_o poem_n to_o be_v a_o funeral_n elegy_n on_o that_o pious_a king_n to_o which_o st._n jerom_n add_v that_o this_o prophet_n lament_v the_o loss_n of_o josias_n as_o the_o begin_n of_o those_o galamity_n which_o afterward_o ensue_v and_o according_o he_o proceed_v to_o bewail_v the_o miserable_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o particular_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v not_o then_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o be_v prophetical_o foretell_v it_o be_v not_o unusual_a with_o the_o prophet_n to_o speak_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o past_a unless_o we_o shall_v say_v as_o some_o have_v that_o part_n of_o this_o mournful_a song_n be_v indict_v after_o the_o take_n and_o sack_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o carry_v the_o people_n captive_a and_o be_v a_o passionate_a bewail_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o horrid_a consequence_n of_o it_o in_o which_o also_o the_o holy_a man_n humble_o confess_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a justice_n in_o all_o that_o beâ—el_v they_o to_o which_o he_o adjoin_v a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o repentance_n and_o comfort_v they_o with_o hope_n of_o a_o restoration_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o exact_a pattern_n of_o devotion_n in_o time_n of_o great_a and_o national_a calamity_n and_o public_a suffering_n and_o instruct_v we_o how_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o in_o such_o deplorable_a circumstance_n ezekiel_n be_v carry_v captive_a into_o babylon_n with_o those_o that_o go_v thither_o in_o the_o second_o captivity_n which_o be_v in_o the_o 8_o year_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n reign_n about_o ten_o year_n before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o captivity_n he_o prophesy_v here_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o jeremiah_n do_v in_o judaea_n and_o afterward_o in_o egypt_n many_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n he_o foretell_v more_o especial_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o fatal_a issue_n of_o those_o that_o revolt_a from_o babylon_n to_o egypt_n and_o at_o last_o the_o happy_a return_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o their_o own_o land_n he_o distinct_o foretell_v the_o plague_n which_o shall_v certain_o be_v inflict_v on_o other_o nation_n who_o be_v profess_v enemy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o edomite_n moabite_n ammonite_n egyptian_n tyrian_n and_o last_o the_o assyrian_n and_o babylonian_n in_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a expression_n he_o predict_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o his_o kingdom_n i._n e._n the_o christian_a church_n because_o the_o prophet_n begin_v with_o vision_n and_o type_n and_o end_n with_o the_o measure_v of_o the_o mystical_a temple_n therefore_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o abstrusity_n and_o mystery_n the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o this_o book_n be_v forbid_v ezek._n to_o be_v read_v by_o the_o jew_n before_o they_o come_v to_o thirty_o year_n of_o age._n but_o the_o great_a â—art_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_o intelligible_a it_o have_v reference_n chief_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o degenerate_a age_n wherein_o the_o prophet_n observe_v and_o severe_o animadvert_v upon_o the_o general_n corruption_n which_o have_v invade_v they_o in_o those_o day_n and_o which_o merit_v the_o severe_a judgement_n that_o heaven_n can_v send_v down_o upon_o they_o he_o exâ—ibits_v a_o particular_a catalogue_n of_o the_o notorious_a enormity_n which_o their_o king_n their_o priest_n their_o prophet_n their_o people_n be_v infamous_a for_o he_o labour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o these_o scandalous_a practice_n and_o to_o make_v they_o hearty_o relent_v for_o they_o final_o like_o a_o trne_n watchman_n as_o he_o be_v style_v he_o â—â—â—â—hfully_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o imminent_a danger_n and_o admonish_v they_o to_o prevent_v it_o if_o possible_a by_o abandon_v their_o evil_a way_n this_o be_v the_o inspire_a man_n that_o pen_v this_o book_n and_o this_o be_v the_o â—ook_n which_o contain_v so_o many_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a â—â—ings_n in_o it_o another_o of_o the_o four_o great_a prophet_n be_v daniel_n who_o be_v of_o the_o progeny_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n 〈◊〉_d be_v contemporary_a with_o ezekiol_n and_o be_v a_o capâ—â—â—e_n in_o babylon_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o be_v there_o he_o prophesy_v and_o there_o he_o write_v and_o â—his_v book_n be_v the_o result_n of_o both_o the_o six_o first_o chapâ—â—â—s_n of_o which_o be_v a_o history_n of_o the_o king_n of_o babyâ—â—â—_n and_o of_o what_o beâ—el_v some_o of_o the_o captive_a jew_n under_o they_o here_o we_o have_v nebuchadnezzar_n remarkable_a dream_n interpret_v we_o have_v a_o relation_n of_o the_o singular_a courage_n of_o the_o three_o hebrew_n yoâ—â—â—_n man_n that_o refuse_v to_o fall_v down_o to_o his_o image_n with_o the_o miraculous_a deliverance_n of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o flame_n here_o be_v unfold_v belshazzar_n fatal_a dooâ—_n contain_v in_o the_o mystical_a handwriting_n on_o the_o wall_n with_o his_o death_n that_o soon_o follow_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o succession_n of_o darius_n to_o the_o throne_n and_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o monarchy_n to_o the_o mede_n it_o be_v under_o this_o prince_n that_o our_o noble_a prophet_n be_v advance_v to_o his_o great_a height_n of_o honour_n 〈◊〉_d whereas_o he_o have_v be_v a_o great_a courtier_n and_o favosrrite_n in_o nebuchadnezzar_n time_n and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o belshazzar_n reign_n be_v make_v the_o three_o ruler_n in_o the_o kingdom_n now_o he_o be_v make_v the_o first_o be_v set_v 〈◊〉_d all_o the_o precedent_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o realm_n this_o make_v he_o envy_v and_o hate_v but_o he_o be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v much_o more_o for_o his_o religion_n by_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o even_o by_o a_o decree_n of_o the_o king_n be_v own_o sign_v commit_v to_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n there_o to_o be_v devour_v of_o they_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o omnipotence_n immediate_o interpose_v and_o he_o come_v out_o thence_o safe_a and_o his_o adversary_n and_o accuser_n be_v send_v thither_o in_o his_o room_n who_o fare_v not_o after_o the_o same_o rate_n that_o he_o do_v after_o this_o he_o live_v in_o great_a esteem_n honour_n and_o prosperity_n not_o only_o in_o this_o king_n reign_n but_o under_o cyrus_n 〈◊〉_d monarch_n of_o the_o persian_a race_n but_o as_o our_o author_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o book_n relate_v thing_n pasâ—_n as_o a_o historian_n so_o in_o the_o six_o last_o chapter_n he_o be_v alâ—_n together_o prophetical_a foretell_v what_o shall_v befall_v thâ—_n church_n in_o general_n and_o particular_o the_o jew_n yeâ—â—_n his_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n reach_v to_o future_a event_n wherein_o even_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n arâ—_n concern_v what_o can_v be_v more_o valuable_a than_o hâ—â—_n dream_n or_o vision_n of_o the_o four_o secular_a monarchy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o five_o which_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_a viz._n that_o of_o the_o messiah_n what_o be_v more_o famous_a and_o celebrate_v than_o his_o discovery_n by_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n information_n of_o the_o seventy_o week_n viz._n of_o year_n i._n e._n 490_o year_n upon_o the_o expire_a of_o which_o the_o messias_n kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o what_o plain_a and_o signal_n prophecy_n do_v this_o book_n afford_v concern_v that_o renown_a conqueror_n alexander_n the_o great_a and_o his_o subdue_a the_o persian_a empire_n as_o also_o concern_v the_o fierce_a war_n among_o his_o great_a captain_n and_o commander_n who_o succeed_v he_o particular_o how_o clear_o and_o plain_o be_v the_o action_n of_o antiochus_n the_o great_a and_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n his_o son_n describe_v by_o our_o prophet_n long_o before_o these_o person_n be_v in_o be_v and_o many_o other_o notable_a occurrence_n relate_v to_o the_o most_o public_a and_o fame_a transaction_n on_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n be_v prophetical_o foresignified_n and_o reveal_v by_o this_o divine_a seer_n insomuch_o that_o we_o may_v just_o style_v this_o book_n the_o apocalypse_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o which_o that_o other_o of_o the_o new_a so_o often_o refer_v and_o even_o borrow_v many_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n last_o we_o may_v particular_o note_v concern_v this_o book_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o chaldean_a tongue_n viz._n from_o the_o four_o verse_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o seven_o the_o reason_n of_o â—hich_v may_v be_v this_o because_o daniel_n be_v now_o by_o his_o â—â—ng_n abide_v
in_o that_o country_n become_v as_o it_o be_v a_o chaldean_a and_o moreover_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o write_v â—_o the_o chaldean_a language_n because_o he_o relate_v those_o â—â—ings_n here_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o king_n of_o babyâ—â—â—_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o that_o place_n which_o can_v not_o 〈◊〉_d better_o express_v than_o in_o this_o tongue_n the_o twelve_o lesser_a prophet_n so_o call_v because_o â—heir_v write_n be_v of_o a_o smaller_n bulk_n be_v account_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o 18._o one_o book_n and_o according_o st._n stephen_n quote_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o amos_n say_v it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n amos_n 7._o 42._o the_o first_o of_o these_o holy_a seer_n be_v hosea_n who_o flourish_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o day_n of_o vzziah_n jotham_n ahaz_n and_o hezekiah_n king_n of_o judah_n and_o of_o jaroboam_n king_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o he_o be_v contemporary_a with_o isaiah_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o both_o prophecy_n he_o direct_v his_o prophecy_n whole_o against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n but_o be_v by_o he_o peculiar_o style_v sometime_o joseph_n sometime_o ephraim_n at_o other_o time_n samaria_n bethel_n jacob_n and_o israel_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n be_v call_v by_o he_o benjamin_n and_o sometime_o jerusalem_n his_o main_a design_n and_o business_n through_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o other_o flagitious_a practice_n of_o that_o degenerate_a people_n and_o to_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o and_o particular_o to_o foretell_v their_o captivity_n in_o assyria_n and_o withal_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o this_o severity_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o and_o thereby_o to_o beget_v a_o unfeigned_a remorse_n and_o penitence_n in_o they_o that_o they_o may_v obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o favour_n all_o which_o be_v do_v with_o a_o most_o ravish_a ardency_n affection_n and_o zeal_n as_o to_o the_o stilâ—_n indeed_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o as_o ezekiel_n be_v the_o obscure_a of_o the_o great_a prophet_n so_o hosea_n be_v of_o these_o minour_n one_o but_o this_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n be_v countervail_v by_o that_o rich_a treasure_n which_o be_v hide_v under_o they_o and_o which_o will_v prove_v a_o ample_a reward_n to_o those_o who_o search_v into_o it_o and_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o transcendent_a excellency_n both_o of_o the_o style_n and_o matter_n of_o this_o writer_n joel_n prophesy_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n though_o the_o particular_a time_n be_v not_o as_o in_o most_o of_o the_o other_o prophet_n mention_v but_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o prophesy_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o hosea_n who_o be_v set_v immediate_o before_o he_o so_o st._n jerom_n theodoret_n augustine_n and_o other_o father_n think_v he_o foretell_v the_o come_n up_o of_o a_o northern_a army_n viz._n from_o babylon_n which_o be_v north_n of_o judea_n though_o some_o interpret_v it_o of_o a_o army_n of_o locust_n and_o caterpillar_n and_o other_o such_o mischievous_a and_o devour_a infect_v mention_v ch_n 1._o v._n 4_o etc._n etc._n and_o consequent_o the_o prophet_n predict_v the_o horrid_a devastation_n dearth_n and_o famine_n in_o judea_n which_o shall_v be_v cause_v by_o they_o i_o be_o for_o join_v both_o these_o interpretation_n together_o for_o i_o see_v it_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n especial_o the_o prophetic_a one_o to_o express_v two_o different_a thing_n and_o occurrence_n by_o the_o same_o word_n here_o be_v then_o a_o double_a army_n speak_v of_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o chaldean_n which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n afterward_o invade_v judea_n and_o lay_v it_o waste_v and_o also_o that_o of_o noxious_a vermin_n which_o be_v to_o be_v send_v as_o a_o just_a penalty_n and_o infliction_n for_o their_o abuse_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a plenty_n which_o they_o have_v enjoy_v whereupon_o he_o most_o warm_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n enjoin_v a_o fast_a and_o urge_v they_o to_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o mâ—rcy_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o those_o judgement_n which_o they_o labour_v under_o yea_o from_o the_o expectation_n or_o rather_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v brief_o but_o most_o admirable_o set_v forth_o by_o this_o man_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o refer_v to_o that_o direful_a judgement_n of_o famine_n and_o destroy_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o seasonable_a form_n and_o rule_n of_o devotion_n and_o behaviour_n in_o the_o time_n of_o such_o a_o calamity_n amos_n who_o in_o his_o youth_n have_v be_v a_o herdsman_n in_o tekoa_n a_o little_a country-town_n a_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a off_o of_o jerusalem_n be_v now_o send_v to_o the_o cow_n of_o bashan_n the_o people_n of_o samaria_n the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n to_o which_o end_n he_o bold_o remonstrate_v against_o the_o cry_v sin_n which_o be_v visible_a among_o they_o but_o especial_o against_o idolatry_n oppression_n wantonness_n and_o incorrigibleness_n he_o spare_v not_o those_o of_o judah_n but_o frank_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o carnal_a security_n sensuality_n injustice_n confident_a boast_v and_o he_o scare_n both_o of_o they_o with_o frequent_a threaten_n and_o menace_n and_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n will_v end_v at_o last_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n which_o he_o confirm_v and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o vision_n of_o a_o plumb-line_n and_o of_o a_o basket_n of_o summer-fruit_n it_o be_v further_a observable_a in_o this_o prophecy_n that_o as_o it_o begin_v with_o denuntiation_n of_o judgement_n and_o destruction_n against_o the_o syrian_n the_o philistine_n the_o tyrian_n and_o other_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o conclude_v with_o comfortable_a promise_n of_o restore_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o david_n and_o erect_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n he_o prophesy_v in_o the_o day_n of_o vzziah_n king_n of_o judah_n and_o jeroboam_fw-la the_o son_n of_o joash_n to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o the_o other_o of_o that_o name_n who_o be_v son_n of_o nebat_fw-la so_o that_o he_o flourish_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o hosea_n and_o joel._n but_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o time_n for_o it_o be_v add_v two_o year_n before_o the_o earthquake_n v._n 1._o that_o be_v towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o king_n vzziah_n reign_n obadiah_n prophecy_n be_v contain_v in_o one_o single_a chapter_n and_o be_v partly_o a_o divine_a invective_n against_o the_o merciless_a edomite_n who_o mock_v and_o deride_v the_o captive_a israelite_n as_o they_o pass_v to_o babylon_n and_o who_o with_o other_o enemy_n their_o confederate_n invade_v and_o wrong_v these_o poor_a stranger_n and_o make_v a_o great_a ravage_n and_o divide_v the_o spoil_n among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v partly_o a_o prediction_n of_o the_o deliverance_n and_o salvation_n of_o israel_n and_o of_o the_o victory_n and_o triumph_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n over_o all_o her_o enemy_n some_o think_v this_o obadiah_n be_v he_o that_o be_v king_n ahab_n steward_n who_o hide_v the_o prophet_n then_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v before_o these_o other_o prophet_n but_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o this_o we_o may_v rather_o adhere_v to_o st._n ierom_n opinion_n who_o go_v upon_o this_o rule_n that_o when_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v not_o mention_v it_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o precede_a prophecy_n be_v write_v in_o ionah_n prophecy_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o ninevite_n as_o obadiah_n to_o the_o edomite_n and_o relate_v how_o that_o prophet_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o go_v to_o nineveh_n but_o disobedient_o travel_v another_o way_n be_v discover_v by_o a_o sudden_a tempest_n arise_v and_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o swallow_v by_o a_o whale_n which_o after_o it_o have_v lodge_v he_o three_o night_n and_o three_o day_n in_o its_o belly_n disgorge_v he_o upon_o the_o dry_a land_n whereupon_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o his_o past_a danger_n and_o of_o his_o miraculous_a deliverance_n from_o it_o he_o betake_v himself_o to_o that_o journey_n and_o embassy_n which_o be_v first_o appoint_v he_o and_o arrive_v at_o that_o great_a city_n the_o metropolis_n of_o all_o assyria_n he_o according_a to_o
wonderful_a efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o those_o day_n the_o rejection_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o their_o city_n temple_n and_o whole_a nation_n by_o the_o roman_n for_o their_o reject_v and_o crucify_a the_o messiah_n and_o other_o particular_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o none_o of_o the_o lesser_a prophet_n speak_v of_o but_o this_o malachi_n be_v the_o last_o of_o these_o prophet_n yea_o of_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o that_o dispensation_n after_o he_o cease_v vision_n and_o prophecy_n in_o israel_n until_o christ_n appear_v when_o zachary_n simeon_n mary_n elizabeth_n anna_n be_v illuminate_v with_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n he_o prophesy_v about_o 300_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n time_n reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o their_o ungrateful_a and_o wicked_a live_n after_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n particular_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o rebellion_n sacrilege_n adultery_n profaneness_n infidelity_n but_o especial_o he_o reprehend_v the_o priest_n for_o be_v careless_a and_o scandalous_a in_o their_o ministry_n which_o one_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o other_o to_o be_v vicious_a at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o forget_v not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o encourage_v the_o pious_a remnant_n in_o that_o corrupt_a age_n who_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o think_v upon_o his_o name_n who_o godly_a converse_n and_o associate_a with_o one_o another_o in_o that_o debauch_a time_n he_o assure_v they_o be_v register_v in_o a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n by_o god_n himself_o this_o prophet_n who_o have_v point_v before_o at_o the_o messiah_n to_o be_v exhibit_v for_o he_o express_o â—aith_n he_o shall_v sudden_o come_v to_o his_o temple_n now_o shut_v up_o his_o prophecy_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o remember_v the_o law_n i._n e._n to_o live_v according_a to_o its_o holy_a rule_n and_o injunction_n and_o with_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o come_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o be_v usher_v in_o by_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n i._n e._n by_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o come_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o elias_n luke_n 1._o 17._o and_o so_o this_o close_a of_o the_o old_a testament_n refer_v to_o the_o new_a to_o which_o i_o now_o hasten_v chap._n x._o a_o account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n the_o peculiar_a time_n order_n stile_n design_n of_o their_o gospel_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n show_v to_o be_v a_o incomparable_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n particular_o delineate_v he_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o apostle_n style_n and_o manner_n of_o write_v the_o excellent_a matter_n and_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n st._n peter_n st._n john_n st._n judas_n a_o historical_a series_n or_o order_n be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n next_o follow_v the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o evangelical_n novel_n the_o new_a law_n of_o christianity_n the_o true_a authentic_o which_o present_v we_o with_o the_o actual_a discovery_n of_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o these_o be_v write_v in_o greek_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o joseph_n the_o jew_n choose_v to_o write_v his_o book_n not_o in_o his_o own_o language_n but_o in_o this_o because_o as_o he_o say_v himself_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o jewish_a war_n he_o will_v have_v they_o read_v and_o understand_v by_o greek_n and_o roman_n and_o all_o person_n so_o aelian_a be_v a_o roman_a yet_o write_v his_o book_n of_o animal_n and_o various_a history_n etc._n etc._n in_o greek_a because_o this_o be_v the_o universal_a language_n at_o that_o time_n these_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v either_o history_n or_o epistle_n the_o history_n be_v the_o four_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o for_o the_o former_a the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o extant_a while_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n for_o till_o his_o be_v take_v up_o to_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o consummation_n of_o all_o he_o have_v before_o do_v and_o suffer_v they_o can_v not_o make_v the_o evangelical_n history_n perfect_a but_o afterward_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n resolve_v according_a to_o their_o master_n 8._o order_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v in_o foreign_a region_n and_o to_o disperse_v the_o christian_a religion_n over_o all_o the_o world_n put_v forth_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o write_v before_o they_o go_v about_o this_o great_a work_n st._n matthew_n be_v the_o first_o inspire_a person_n that_o commit_v the_o evangelical_n transaction_n to_o write_v which_o he_o do_v about_o eight_o year_n after_o christ_n passion_n a._n d._n 42._o he_o alone_o of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n say_v st._n evang._n jerom_n 〈…〉_z eusebius_n st._n 1._o augustine_n matlh_n chrysostom_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n write_v his_o gospel_n first_o in_o hebrew_a which_o partly_o appear_v from_o this_o that_o some_o of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n be_v explain_v by_o the_o person_n who_o translate_v it_o into_o greek_a who_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v st._n matthew_n himself_o as_o the_o ancient_n general_o agree_v and_o so_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a copy_n be_v both_o of_o they_o the_o original_n then_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n write_v their_o gospel_n the_o one_o about_o ten_o though_o other_o say_v twenty_o the_o other_o about_o twenty_o some_o say_v thirty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o there_o be_v some_o that_o invert_v the_o order_n and_o give_v the_o priority_n to_o st._n luke_n but_o all_o agree_v that_o st._n john_n be_v the_o last_o of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o write_v towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n but_o as_o for_o the_o punctual_a time_n when_o the_o evangelist_n put_v forth_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v doubtful_a and_o i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o certain_a ground_n whereoâ—_n we_o may_v â—ix_v a_o satisfactory_a resolution_n of_o the_o doubtâ—punc_fw-la this_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o write_v 〈◊〉_d st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n have_v what_o they_o write_v from_o the_o relation_n of_o other_o particular_o st._n mark_n who_o be_v st._n peter_n companion_n compose_v his_o gospel_n by_o his_o order_n and_o direction_n and_o with_o his_o especial_a approbation_n say_v eusebius_n again_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o every_o evangelist_n relate_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n yet_o no_o one_o of_o they_o relate_v the_o whole_a truth_n concern_v christ_n life_n and_o action_n though_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contain_v in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o writer_n yet_o some_o particular_n be_v find_v in_o one_o that_o do_v not_o occur_v in_o another_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o consult_v they_o all_o and_o to_o compare_v they_o together_o as_o for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o always_o observe_v the_o order_n of_o time_n and_o the_o true_a series_n of_o the_o matter_n especial_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v not_o curious_a in_o this_o particular_a but_o as_o for_o thâ—_n other_o two_o evangelist_n they_o be_v very_o punctual_a and_o inviolable_o observe_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o happen_v except_v only_o that_o parenthesis_n for_o such_o it_o be_v in_o luke_n 3._o 19_o 20._o concern_v herod_n of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n st._n luke_n be_v the_o full_a and_o give_v the_o compleat_a mosâ—_n circumstantial_a and_o orderly_a relation_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o himself_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o gospel_n in_o those_o word_n to_o theophilus_n it_o seâ—med_v good_a to_o i_o have_v have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o very_a first_o to_o write_v unto_o thou_o in_o order_n and_o yet_o though_o his_o gospel_n be_v ample_a and_o more_o methodical_a in_o the_o narrative_a or_o history_n than_o the_o rest_n yet_o he_o be_v but_o brief_a in_o relate_v thing_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v till_o the_o last_o year_n of_o his_o preach_v st._n matthew_n have_v be_v full_a in_o they_o and_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n he_o have_v need_n of_o a_o supply_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o more_o especial_o from_o st._n john_n who_o gospel_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o 14_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 17_o contain_v those_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o passion_n which_o be_v whole_o
out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n but_o propose_v to_o be_v insert_v there_o afterward_o the_o plain_a answer_n then_o be_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o book_n of_o judge_n together_o with_o that_o of_o joshua_n where_o be_v relate_v the_o particular_n of_o the_o holy_a war_n i._n e._n the_o war_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o the_o infidel_n and_o that_o in_o one_o of_o these_o it_o shall_v be_v particular_o remember_v and_o record_v what_o god_n do_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o in_o the_o brook_n of_o arnon_n etc._n etc._n and_o according_o we_o find_v it_o insert_v in_o the_o forecited_a place_n in_o judge_n thus_o you_o see_v it_o can_v be_v prove_v hence_o that_o the_o church_n have_v lose_v any_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n another_o book_n say_v by_o some_o to_o be_v lose_v be_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n mention_v in_o josh._n 10._o 13._o &_o 2_o sam._n 1._o 18._o but_o some_o of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a hebrew_a doctor_n say_v they_o have_v find_v it_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o act_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n and_o other_o patriarch_n who_o be_v by_o way_n of_o excellence_n call_v jasherim_n recti_fw-la justi._n but_o sure_o that_o man_n be_v easy_o satisfy_v who_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o this_o dr._n lightfoot_n hold_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o i_o assert_v the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o god_n to_o be_v but_o there_o be_v little_a foundation_n for_o it_o for_o though_o the_o particular_a narrative_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v stand_v still_o be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o jasher_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o text_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o intimation_n that_o all_o ioshua_n war_n or_o the_o war_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v register_v there_o this_o book_n be_v according_a to_o the_o excellent_a 18._o grotius_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o triumphal_a poem_n in_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v for_o the_o verse_n sake_n contract_v into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o though_o this_o be_v very_o ingenious_a yet_o it_o want_v solidity_n and_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o the_o word_n will_v be_v twice_o mention_v i._n e._n both_o in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n and_o in_o the_o 2d_o book_n of_o samuel_n in_o its_o abbreviate_v form_n the_o learned_a â—_o jewish_a historian_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o bid_v fair_a for_o truth_n who_o â—aith_v by_o this_o book_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v certain_a record_n keep_v in_o some_o safe_a place_n on_o purpose_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o temple_n give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o happen_v among_o the_o jew_n from_o year_n to_o year_n and_o particular_o the_o prodigy_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v stand_v still_o and_o the_o direction_n and_o law_n about_o the_o use_n of_o the_o bow_n i._n e._n set_v up_o of_o archery_n and_o maintain_v military_a exercise_n and_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o the_o title_n give_v to_o these_o jewish_a annal_n be_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n i._n e._n rect_v this_o may_v be_v render_v as_o a_o probable_a reason_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v by_o all_o person_n reckon_v as_o a_o very_a faithful_a and_o authentic_a account_n of_o all_o those_o event_n and_o occurrence_n which_o it_o record_v it_o be_v compose_v with_o great_a uprightness_n and_o truth_n thence_o it_o be_v common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o iasher_n book_n or_o chronicle_n and_o if_o you_o remember_v that_o jasher_n be_v translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o thâ—_n seventy_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o book_n of_o joâ—_a it_o will_v â—urther_o confirm_v what_o i_o say_v and_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o iasher_n book_n be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o true_a book_n a_o book_n that_o be_v not_o counterfeit_v it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o any_o inspire_a person_n but_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o common_a civil_a annal_n and_o consequent_o we_o can_v infer_v hence_o that_o any_o book_n proper_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i._n e._n that_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v at_o this_o day_n miss_v again_o some_o reckon_v the_o act_n of_o uzziah_n write_v by_o isaiah_n the_o prophet_n 2_o chron._n 26._o 22._o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o such_o book_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v lose_v but_o they_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o do_v so_o for_o by_o thoâ—â—_n word_n be_v plain_o mean_v that_o part_n of_o the_o life_n and_o history_n of_o that_o king_n which_o we_o now_o have_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n for_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n be_v â—_o relation_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o his_o day_n they_o give_v a_o account_n of_o several_a passage_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o state_n in_o that_o king_n reign_n and_o isaiah_n be_v true_o say_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n in_o the_o chronicle_n to_o have_v write_v his_o act_n first_o and_o last_o because_o you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n begin_v at_o the_o day_n of_o uzziah_n v_o 1._o and_o the_o six_o chapter_n relate_v what_o happen_v in_o the_o year_n that_o king_n uzziah_n die_v v_o 1._o so_o that_o something_o of_o what_o be_v first_o and_o last_o in_o his_o time_n be_v here_o record_v this_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o very_a substantial_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o scruple_n about_o that_o place_n also_o some_o will_v infer_v from_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 29._o that_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o extant_a at_o this_o day_n bâ—cause_fw-mi there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o seer_n and_o the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o book_n of_o gad_n the_o seer_n in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v all_o david_n '_o s_z act_n be_v write_v but_o no_o such_o inference_n can_v rational_o be_v make_v only_o this_o we_o gather_v which_o be_v the_o solution_n of_o the_o difficulty_n that_o nathan_n and_o gad_n as_o well_o as_o samuel_n compile_v the_o history_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o this_o last_o and_o because_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o all_o three_o therefore_o it_o be_v represent_v here_o as_o three_o different_a book_n but_o the_o true_a account_n be_v that_o those_o two_o book_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o samuel_n be_v write_v partly_o by_o he_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o first_o book_n relate_v thing_n that_o happen_v in_o his_o time_n and_o partly_o by_o nathan_n and_o partly_o by_o gad_n two_o eminent_a prophet_n in_o those_o day_n and_o who_o survive_v samuel_n then_o as_o to_o 2_o chron._n 9_o 29._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o solomon_n act_n be_v write_v not_o only_o in_o the_o book_n hebr._n dibrim_n the_o word_n as_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o day_n of_o nathan_n of_o which_o before_o but_o in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o ahijah_n the_o shilonite_n and_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o iddo_n the_o seer_n which_o last_o be_v call_v midrash_n the_o story_n or_o commentary_n of_o the_o prophet_n iddo_n chap._n 13._o v._n 22._o and_o as_o to_o 2_o chron._n 12._o 15._o where_o we_o read_v also_o of_o this_o book_n of_o iddo_n the_o seer_n and_o of_o shemaiah_n the_o prophet_n in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v rehoboam_n act_n be_v write_v the_o answer_n which_o i_o give_v relate_v to_o these_o book_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o that_o few_o of_o they_o if_o any_o be_v different_a from_o those_o of_o the_o king_n but_o be_v only_o a_o part_n of_o they_o though_o they_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o as_o distinct_a book_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o that_o individual_a part_n of_o the_o story_n viz._n concern_v solomon_n and_o rehoboam_n be_v quote_v which_o these_o particular_a person_n here_o name_v write_v you_o must_v know_v then_o that_o this_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o work_n of_o several_a person_n it_o be_v a_o collection_n make_v by_o sundry_a prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n as_o samuel_n nathan_n gad_n ahijah_n iddo_n shemaiah_n and_o the_o book_n which_o they_o write_v be_v call_v the_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o be_v general_o know_v by_o these_o name_n but_o when_o those_o part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v particucular_o insert_v and_o write_v by_o samuel_n himself_o or_o nathan_n etc._n etc._n be_v quote_v or_o refer_v to_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n they_o be_v mention_v as_o distinct_a book_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v distinct_a part_n of_o such_o a_o history_n and_o write_v by_o such_o particular_a person_n who_o altogether_o make_v up_o that_o
historical_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n those_o book_n then_o for_o so_o the_o hebrew_n call_v any_o write_n which_o those_o author_n abovenamed_a write_v be_v not_o lose_v as_o some_o imagine_n â—â—t_n be_v still_o extant_a in_o the_o bible_n for_o they_o be_v parâ—_n of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o the_o king_n this_o answer_n be_v ground_v on_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 29._o the_o act_n of_o david_n the_o king_n first_o and_o last_o behold_v they_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n or_o history_n of_o samuel_n and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n which_o show_v that_o the_o foresay_a book_n be_v a_o collection_n make_v by_o several_a prophet_n viz._n samuel_n nathan_n gad_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o think_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o the_o foresay_a objection_n be_v whole_o remove_v by_o it_o then_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o book_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lose_v as_o the_o say_n of_o the_o seer_n 2_o chron._n 33._o 19_o and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 11._o 41._o and_o the_o book_n of_o jehu_n the_o son_n of_o hanani_n 2_o chron._n 20._o 34._o or_o any_o other_o which_o the_o objector_n mention_v it_o be_v grant_v by_o some_o very_a sober_a writer_n not_o only_o foreigner_n but_o of_o our_o own_o country_n that_o these_o book_n be_v real_o lose_v but_o they_o deny_v that_o this_o be_v any_o argument_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o scripture_n because_o these_o book_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a neither_o be_v we_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v divine_o indict_v and_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o well_o as_o the_o modern_n yea_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o father_n who_o speak_v of_o these_o book_n say_v positive_o that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o inspiration_n from_o heaven_n to_o this_o purpose_n st._n augustine_n have_v this_o useful_a distinction_n 38._o the_o penman_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n say_v he_o write_v some_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v man_n with_o historical_a care_n and_o diligence_n other_o thing_n they_o write_v as_o prophet_n by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n this_o then_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o all_o that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o even_o by_o those_o holy_a man_n who_o be_v author_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o canonical_a and_o divine_a because_o they_o write_v some_o thing_n not_o as_o inspire_a person_n but_o as_o mere_a historian_n some_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o write_n be_v refer_v to_o in_o the_o forecited_a place_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o extant_a now_o yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o hereby_o render_v imperfect_a because_o these_o be_v not_o such_o part_n of_o it_o as_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o or_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v when_o in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n there_o be_v frequent_a reference_n to_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n those_o of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o always_o mean_v be_v not_o 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the_o complaint_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o some_o book_n of_o holy_a writ_n proceed_v from_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o word_n sepher_n which_o be_v translate_v a_o book_n but_o among_o the_o hebrew_n be_v oftentimes_o no_o more_o than_o a_o rehearsal_n or_o commemoration_n of_o something_o a_o brief_a narrative_n or_o memoir_n a_o set_n down_o any_o thing_n in_o write_v as_o you_o will_v find_v in_o these_o follow_a place_n num._n 5._o 23._o josh._n â—8_o 9_o 1_o sam._n 10._o 25._o esth._n 9_o 20._o isa._n 30._o 8._o jer._n 32._o 12_o 14._o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a genealogy_n as_o gen._n 5._o 1._o the_o book_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o adam_n so_o st._n matthew_n begin_v his_o gospel_n the_o book_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n mat._n 1._o 1._o i_o e._n his_o genealogy_n or_o pedigree_n a_o brief_a enumeration_n of_o the_o person_n he_o descend_v from_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a denotation_n of_o the_o word_n sepher_n from_o saphar_n numerare_fw-la recensere_fw-la whence_o siphra_n or_o ciphra_n a_o word_n that_o be_v use_v in_o most_o language_n some_z not_o attend_v to_o this_o have_v fancy_v that_o a_o great_a many_o book_n of_o the_o sacred_a writ_n be_v embezzle_v because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v such_o formal_a book_n as_o those_o of_o jehu_n or_o of_o the_o act_n of_o solomon_n etc._n etc._n now_o belong_v to_o the_o bible_n this_o arise_v from_o a_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o signify_v general_o any_o short_a kind_n of_o write_v or_o memorandum_n this_o with_o the_o answer_n before_o give_v will_v solve_v all_o doubt_n concern_v the_o place_n afore_o allege_a as_o to_o the_o common_a objection_n concern_v the_o loss_n of_o solomon_n book_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v mention_v in_o 1_o king_n 4._o 32_o 33._o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o when_o some_o call_v they_o book_n it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o solomon_n write_v but_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o tree_n and_o speak_v of_o beast_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n he_o learned_o discourse_v of_o these_o several_a subject_n upon_o occasion_n and_o speak_v such_o a_o number_n of_o proverb_n here_o can_v be_v no_o loss_n of_o book_n then_o but_o 2._o suppose_v he_o commit_v these_o disquisition_n and_o discourse_n to_o write_v and_o they_o be_v now_o lose_v it_o may_v be_v consume_v when_o nabuchadnezzar_n burn_v jerusalem_n or_o by_o some_o other_o mean_v imbezzle_v afterward_o yet_o still_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n because_o they_o be_v no_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n his_o universal_a history_n of_o vegetable_n from_o the_o cedar_n even_o to_o the_o hyssop_n that_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o wall_n and_o his_o book_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o animal_n in_o the_o sea_n on_o the_o land_n and_o in_o the_o air_n appertain_v to_o philosophy_n and_o may_v indeed_o have_v serve_v to_o have_v set_v up_o a_o royal_a society_n and_o have_v be_v advantageous_a to_o the_o man_n who_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o study_n of_o nature_n for_o these_o questionless_a be_v full_a of_o admirable_a philosophy_n according_a to_o that_o great_a and_o matchless_a measure_n of_o wisdom_n which_o god_n have_v endue_v he_o with_o thus_o far_o the_o loss_n of_o those_o write_n be_v great_o but_o none_o but_o philosopher_n ought_v to_o bewail_v it_o though_o i_o must_v suggest_v this_o by_o the_o way_n that_o perhaps_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o complain_v for_o they_o neither_o for_o it_o may_v be_v these_o book_n of_o plant_n and_o animal_n be_v extant_a till_o alexander_n the_o great_a be_v day_n and_o be_v peruse_v and_o understand_v by_o aristotle_n and_o theophrastus_n by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o interpreter_n they_o be_v transcribe_v by_o they_o and_o so_o set_v down_o as_o we_o find_v they_o in_o their_o write_n which_o have_v gain_v they_o so_o great_a fame_n and_o renown_n this_o may_v be_v the_o more_o credible_a especial_o as_o to_o aristotle_n because_o we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a plagiary_n and_o burn_v or_o otherwise_o make_v away_o those_o write_n from_o whence_o he_o borrow_v his_o notion_n if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v likely_a we_o have_v these_o book_n of_o solomon_n extant_a still_o in_o those_o forename_a author_n we_o read_v his_o natural_a history_n concern_v vegetable_n and_o animal_n but_o as_o touch_v the_o three_o thousand_o proverb_n which_o he_o speak_v it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v only_o speak_v not_o write_v down_o and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v pen_v we_o have_v they_o at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n there_o we_o have_v those_o proverb_n which_o the_o holy_a
ghost_n see_v to_o be_v most_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o church_n that_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v content_v we_o so_o as_o to_o his_o song_n which_o be_v a_o thousand_o and_o five_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n there_o be_v but_o one_o of_o they_o that_o have_v arrive_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o sacred_a write_n unless_o we_o reckon_v the_o forty_o five_o psalm_n to_o be_v a_o song_n of_o he_o this_o then_o add_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o these_o write_n of_o solomon_n which_o we_o have_v that_o they_o be_v choice_a piece_n select_v even_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a author_n of_o they_o this_o sure_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o book_n or_o write_n of_o this_o wise_a prince_n which_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o which_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v transmit_v to_o we_o and_o be_v part_n of_o the_o bible_n thus_o there_o be_v nothing_o lose_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o place_n be_v quote_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o take_v out_o of_o the_o old_a and_o yet_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v there_o as_o mat._n 2._o 23._o james_n 4._o 5._o jude_n v_o 14._o i_o answer_v as_o to_o the_o first_o that_o from_o those_o word_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n he_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o nazarene_n no_o man_n can_v gather_v that_o some_o of_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n be_v miss_v because_o if_o you_o take_v the_o prophet_n here_o for_o prophetic_a man_n who_o speak_v only_o and_o do_v not_o write_v than_o there_o be_v no_o book_n of_o they_o to_o be_v lose_v or_o if_o by_o prophet_n you_o understand_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o may_v be_v show_v that_o what_o they_o foretell_v be_v still_o extant_a in_o their_o write_n for_o though_o those_o individual_a word_n he_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o nazarene_n be_v not_o find_v among_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o the_o purport_n and_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v there_o and_o the_o place_n to_o which_o they_o have_v reference_n be_v very_o obvious_a as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o that_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v to_o the_o public_a in_o my_o enquiry_n into_o some_o remarkable_a text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n thence_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o objector_n have_v no_o ground_n for_o what_o they_o allege_v and_o also_o that_o the_o jew_n cavil_v against_o this_o place_n of_o st._n matthew_n where_o they_o say_v he_o quote_v a_o text_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o they_o be_v void_a of_o all_o reason_n another_o place_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v mention_v on_o this_o occasion_n be_v jam._n 4._o 5._o do_v you_o think_v that_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o vain_a the_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o lust_v to_o envy_n which_o word_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n therefore_o say_v they_o some_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v lose_v and_o sir_n n._n knatchbull_n seem_v to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v passage_n take_v out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o â—re_n miss_v at_o this_o day_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o hammond_n some_o say_v that_o gen._n 6._o 3._o be_v the_o place_n of_o scripture_n here_o refer_v to_o but_o after_o they_o have_v take_v a_o great_a dealâ—of_n pain_n to_o make_v this_o out_o their_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a for_o sure_o no_o man_n of_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a thought_n will_v be_v persuade_v that_o those_o wordâ—_n my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o these_o the_o spirit_n that_o dwelleâ—â—_n in_o we_o lust_v to_o envy_n this_o exposition_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o mistake_a notion_n of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d contendet_fw-la which_o our_o translator_n true_o rendâ—â—_n shall_v strive_v some_o fancy_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deriuâ—â—_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o sheath_n and_o then_o forsooth_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n be_v a_o sword_n lowis_n chappel_n and_o some_o other_o as_o groundless_o make_v these_o word_n a_o interrogation_n do_v the_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o lust_n to_o envy_n and_o think_v they_o refer_v to_o numb_a 11._o 29._o envy_v thou_o for_o my_o sake_n the_o question_n say_v they_o be_v a_o negation_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v do_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n teach_v you_o to_o contend_v to_o be_v envious_a and_o quarrelsome_a no._n but_o this_o likewise_o be_v force_v and_o strain_v and_o a_o impartial_a eye_n can_v possible_o see_v any_o affinity_n between_o the_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v one_o interrogation_n to_o introduce_v another_o which_o confound_v the_o style_n the_o plain_a and_o unforced_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o st._n james_n do_v not_o here_o quote_v any_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o there_o be_v such_o express_a word_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o be_v here_o set_v down_o by_o he_o he_o only_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v general_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n viz._n that_o man_n nature_n be_v deprave_v and_o corrupt_v that_o it_o be_v incline_v to_o envy_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o lust_n and_o unlawful_a affection_n or_o if_o any_o â—ne_a particular_a place_n be_v refer_v to_o more_o than_o another_o it_o be_v probable_a it_o be_v that_o of_o gen._n 6._o 5._o or_o ch_z 8._o v._n 21._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o imagination_n or_o the_o purpose_n and_o desire_v of_o man_n heart_n be_v evil_a from_o their_o youth_n yea_o they_o be_v only_o evil_a and_o that_o continual_o the_o word_n than_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n but_o of_o that_o corrupt_a spirit_n which_o be_v in_o man_n not_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n â—â—t_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n distinguish_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o this_o spirit_n lust_v to_o envy_n and_o prompt_v man_n to_o all_o other_o vice_n and_o 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o next_o word_n he_o give_v more_o grace_n they_o refer_v not_o to_o the_o spirit_n here_o speak_v of_o but_o to_o god_n who_o though_o he_o be_v not_o name_v in_o this_o verse_n be_v twice_o in_o the_o immediate_o forego_v one_o he_o give_v 〈◊〉_d grace_n he_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n restrain_v man_n lust_n and_o envious_a desire_n and_o teâ—cheth_v they_o humility_n submission_n and_o all_o other_o divine_a virtue_n or_o according_a to_o a_o kâ—atchbull_n late_a worthy_a critic_n it_o i._n e._n the_o scripture_n give_v more_o grace_n for_o that_o it_o say_v etc._n etc._n in_o this_o holy_a book_n there_o be_v example_n of_o some_o person_n in_o who_o this_o spirit_n of_o envy_n be_v restrain_v when_o the_o apostle_n then_o here_o say_v do_v you_o think_v that_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o vain_a etc._n etc._n we_o must_v not_o wonder_v that_o those_o very_a word_n be_v not_o find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o apostle_n only_o speak_v here_o of_o what_o may_v be_v deduce_v from_o these_o sacred_a write_n or_o what_o be_v say_v in_o they_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n though_o in_o other_o word_n there_o be_v many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o lust_n of_o that_o corrupt_a spirit_n which_o be_v in_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o envy_n and_o strife_n from_o several_a text_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o man_n nature_n be_v prone_a to_o these_o and_o the_o like_a passion_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v luâ—â—_n 11._o 49._o therefore_o say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n i_o will_v send_v they_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o particular_a text_n that_o have_v these_o word_n but_o there_o be_v several_a prophecy_n to_o this_o purpose_n so_o ephes._n 5._o 14._o he_o say_v awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v the_o light_n be_v not_o meanâ—â—_n of_o any_o such_o particular_a and_o individual_a word_n 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o spirit_n be_v speak_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o that_o effect_n though_o i_o know_v dr._n hammond_n and_o other_o refer_v iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d isa._n 60._o 1._o and_o some_o interpreter_n to_o isa._n 51._o 9_o 〈◊〉_d you_o will_v not_o find_v these_o or_o such_o word_n in_o either_o of_o those_o place_n that_o passage_n in_o
understand_v they_o aright_o i_o propound_v these_o ensue_a rule_n and_o direction_n first_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o other_o learning_n to_o make_v ourselves_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o bible_n all_o art_n require_v a_o master_n and_o teacher_n even_o the_o low_a and_o mechanical_a all_o trade_n and_o science_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v none_o presume_v to_o meddle_v with_o they_o till_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o all_o degree_n of_o person_n pretend_v to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n though_o they_o be_v never_o instruct_v never_o prepare_v as_o paulin._n st._n jerom_n complain_v of_o old_a a_o great_a many_o imagine_v that_o the_o weak_a brain_n can_v comprehend_v the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n and_o without_o all_o other_o knowledge_n attain_v to_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n and_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o man_n wrest_v and_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o unlearned_a and_o unwilling_a to_o be_v teach_v for_o so_o the_o word_n import_v they_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n they_o use_v not_o the_o proper_a help_n conduce_v to_o it_o or_o whatever_o they_o be_v in_o st._n peter_n time_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o now_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o humane_a learning_n be_v require_v to_o understand_v these_o write_n for_o though_o they_o surpass_v all_o humane_a wisdom_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o they_o have_v stricture_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n in_o they_o and_o be_v write_v in_o the_o learned_a language_n and_o as_o i_o have_v show_v former_o contain_v in_o they_o all_o sort_n of_o word_n phrase_n and_o idiom_n wherefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o art_n and_o tongue_n for_o understand_v this_o book_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n there_o be_v the_o rite_n 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their_o error_n this_o which_o i_o now_o say_v principal_o concern_v the_o guide_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o scholarship_n and_o true_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v more_o especial_o fit_v for_o such_o it_o be_v their_o province_n to_o expound_v and_o teach_v this_o holy_a book_n which_o be_v itself_o a_o library_n and_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o can_v be_v right_o understand_v and_o explain_v without_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n without_o skill_n in_o the_o tongue_n rhetdrick_n logic_n philosophy_n history_n criticism_n for_o as_o it_o be_v furnish_v with_o all_o literature_n so_o it_o require_v all_o to_o unfold_v it_o aright_o as_o for_o the_o apostle_n though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n in_o art_n and_o science_n yet_o that_o defect_n be_v abundant_o recompense_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o most_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n who_o be_v not_o hebrew_n understand_v the_o language_n in_o which_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o their_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o as_o for_o the_o greek_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v universal_o know_v and_o so_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o native_a tongue_n both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o of_o that_o time_n but_o man_n be_v not_o now_o instruct_v in_o strange_a language_n by_o the_o spirit_n nor_o be_v they_o bear_v with_o hebrew_n or_o greek_a neither_o be_v they_o inspire_v with_o art_n and_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o consequent_o study_v and_o read_n and_o long_a exercise_n be_v indispensable_o requisite_a 6._o clement_n of_o alexandria_n will_v have_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n his_o perfect_a and_o complete_a theologue_n be_v skilled_a in_o humane_a literature_n and_o philosophy_n inshort_n to_o be_v a_o consummate_v divine_a and_o thorough_o know_v in_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o universal_a learning_n second_o that_o we_o may_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v exceed_o attentive_a observe_v considerate_a that_o we_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a thoughtful_a and_o diligent_a this_o rule_n may_v be_v explain_v in_o several_a particular_n 1._o we_o must_v use_v great_a thoughtfulness_n diligence_n and_o care_n in_o penetrate_v into_o the_o design_n and_o sense_n of_o those_o inspire_a write_n st._n chrysostom_n deliver_v the_o rule_n thus_o galat._n we_o must_v not_o only_o examine_v the_o mere_a naked_a word_n and_o insist_v upon_o they_o simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v but_o we_o must_v chief_o attend_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o writer_n sometime_o instead_o of_o a_o absolute_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o scripture_n they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v comparative_o or_o with_o limitation_n they_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n as_o to_o instance_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1._o cor._n 12._o 3._o i_o e._n no_o man_n can_v say_v so_o from_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v that_o reserve_v imply_v where_o i_o be_o you_o eannot_v come_v john_n 7._o 34._o i_o e._n you_o can_v come_v yet_o but_o afterward_o you_o shall_v all_o that_o come_v before_o i_o be_v thief_n and_o robber_n john_n 1_o o._n 8._o i._n e._n all_o false_a prophet_n for_o he_o mean_v they_o be_v such_o it_o be_v report_v that_o there_o be_v such_o fornication_n among_o you_o as_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v among_o the_o gentile_n that_o one_o shall_v have_v his_o father_n wife_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 1._o this_o sort_n of_o fornication_n be_v not_o only_o name_v but_o practise_v among_o the_o gentile_n for_o there_o be_v several_a example_n in_o pagan_a story_n of_o marry_v the_o father_n wife_n therefore_o here_o must_v be_v mean_v the_o more_o sober_a sort_n of_o gentile_n and_o so_o in_o many_o other_o place_n thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v absolute_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o restrain_a sense_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o be_v very_o thoughtful_a and_o inquisitive_a about_o the_o context_n the_o dependence_n the_o connection_n of_o those_o place_n which_o we_o search_v into_o we_o be_v to_o be_v exceed_o mindful_a what_o the_o word_n refer_v to_o what_o coherence_n they_o have_v with_o what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v to_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o we_o must_v careful_o observe_v the_o subject-matter_n for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o proposition_n be_v true_a or_o not_o true_a according_a to_o this_o you_o will_v meet_v with_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v forbear_v to_o mention_v any_o here_o only_o i_o offer_v this_o at_o present_a as_o a_o general_n rule_n for_o guide_v we_o to_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n 3._o this_o attentiveness_n and_o care_n must_v be_v exercise_v in_o compare_v one_o place_n with_o another_o or_o with_o divers_a other_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o as_o a_o temple_n intelligent_a person_n right_o suggest_v all_o truth_n be_v consonant_n to_o itself_o and_o all_o be_v pen_v by_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a spirit_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o a_o industrious_a and_o judicious_a compare_v of_o place_n with_o place_n must_v be_v a_o singular_a help_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o one_o rule_n if_o well_o and_o due_o observe_v will_v carry_v we_o through_o most_o of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o this_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n that_o the_o best_a comment_n on_o this_o book_n be_v itself_o wherefore_o let_v
be_v great_a moral_a and_o religious_a qualification_n likewise_o for_o this_o be_v the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v come_v to_o it_o with_o agreeable_a inclination_n will_n and_o affection_n man_n complain_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n and_o different_a party_n can_v agree_v whence_o they_o proceed_v to_o blame_v the_o obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o herein_o these_o person_n themselves_o be_v very_o unblamable_a for_o this_o disagreement_n in_o the_o interpret_n of_o sacred_a writ_n arise_v not_o whole_o from_o the_o obscurity_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v it_o proceed_v from_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o it_o as_o some_o will_v suggest_v but_o from_o man_n deprave_a mind_n and_o passion_n wherefore_o our_o main_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v one_a to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o all_o wilful_a prejudice_n and_o perverseness_n which_o have_v be_v the_o first_o and_o original_a cause_n of_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n thus_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n when_o he_o tempt_v our_o saviour_n most_o perverse_o quote_v psal._n 91._o 11._o and_o misapply_v it_o to_o his_o purpose_n and_o from_o he_o heretic_n and_o seducer_n have_v learn_v to_o cite_v and_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n to_o evil_a design_n viz._n to_o uphold_v some_o error_n or_o vice_n what_o a_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n say_v of_o one_o sort_n of_o heretical_a teacher_n that_o 27._o they_o interpret_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n according_a to_o their_o own_o pleasure_n be_v true_a of_o they_o all_o their_o constant_a practice_n be_v to_o strain_v and_o distort_v these_o sacred_a write_n to_o construe_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o to_o make_v they_o like_o a_o echo_n speak_v what_o they_o please_v their_o great_a work_n in_o consult_v and_o turn_v over_o this_o volume_n be_v to_o find_v something_o they_o may_v misinterpret_v for_o their_o own_o ends._n their_o affection_n to_o a_o particular_a cause_n make_v they_o believe_v and_o assert_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o improbable_a and_o then_o they_o allege_v scripture_n to_o back_o it_o though_o it_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o purpose_n these_o person_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o depraver_n of_o truth_n who_o as_o hexaâ—m_n one_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n give_v we_o their_o character_n do_v not_o accommodate_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o pervert_v and_o draw_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o wi_n this_o gloss_v and_o expound_v of_o the_o bible_n according_a to_o man_n corrupt_a fancy_n be_v as_o menâ—al_a m._n luther_n have_v express_v it_o like_o strain_v milk_n through_o a_o colesack_n it_o blacken_v and_o defile_v the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n it_o deprave_v and_o falsify_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n those_o man_n be_v to_o be_v abhor_v that_o submit_v not_o their_o thought_n and_o conception_n to_o this_o sacred_a standard_n who_o compel_v the_o scripture_n to_o serve_v their_o private_a opinion_n who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o put_v a_o text_n upon_o the_o rack_n to_o make_v it_o speak_v what_o it_o intend_v not_o of_o miserable_o torture_v it_o that_o they_o may_v force_v it_o to_o confess_v what_o it_o never_o mean_v these_o person_n shall_v be_v reminded_a how_o great_a a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o distort_v and_o deprave_v the_o holy_a writ_n and_o design_o to_o draw_v it_o to_o another_o sense_n than_o it_o natural_o bear_v and_o the_o penalty_n be_v as_o grievous_a as_o the_o crime_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n inform_v we_o this_o generation_n of_o man_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o wherefore_o let_v none_o presume_v to_o be_v guilty_a in_o this_o nature_n and_o dare_v to_o follow_v their_o own_o sinister_a imagination_n in_o the_o interpret_n of_o the_o inspire_a write_n but_o let_v they_o attend_v to_o that_o advice_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o learned_a author_n diatrib_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o willing_a to_o take_v a_o sense_n from_o scripture_n than_o to_o bring_v one_o to_o it_o let_v we_o strive_v to_o know_v the_o naked_a and_o pure_a mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o read_v the_o bible_n with_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o sincere_a mind_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a interpreter_n whereas_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o perverse_a mind_n will_v pervert_v the_o scripture_n 2_o we_o ought_v to_o read_v these_o divine_a write_n with_o great_a modesty_n and_o humility_n let_v it_o not_o trouble_v we_o that_o some_o part_n of_o they_o be_v not_o level_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o where_o we_o can_v solve_v some_o thing_n let_v we_o not_o arrogant_o pretend_v to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o confess_v our_o ignorance_n here_o i_o can_v assure_v you_o this_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o learnede_a head_n there_o be_v a_o learned_a ignorance_n as_o 15._o st._n augustin_n term_v it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v master_n of_o it_o these_o four_o thing_n mention_v in_o eccles_n 12._o 6._o i_o understand_v not_o say_v castellio_n i_o scarce_o understand_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o this_o book_n say_v he_o concern_v the_o apocalypse_n and_o it_o be_v frequent_a with_o this_o learned_a man_n to_o say_v i_o know_v not_o the_o mean_v of_o this_o place_n that_o man_n be_v impudent_o rash_a who_o dare_v profess_v that_o he_o understand_v one_o single_a book_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o all_o its_o part_n say_v psalmos_fw-la luther_n i_o own_v it_o that_o i_o be_o so_o blind_a that_o i_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o in_o that_o dark_a place_n of_o scripture_n amos_n 5._o 26._o say_v the_o syr._n great_a selden_n but_o the_o contrary_a temper_n and_o spirit_n have_v swell_v some_o with_o proud_a conceit_n of_o their_o understanding_n some_o passage_n of_o this_o book_n when_o they_o 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he_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v which_o he_o understand_v not_o the_o like_a may_v we_o with_o more_o reason_n pronounce_v concern_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o matter_n which_o we_o have_v knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v the_o main_a body_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o book_n be_v excellent_a and_o divine_a and_o so_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o those_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o sovereign_a wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v our_o apparent_a duty_n to_o lay_v aside_o pride_n and_o to_o exercise_v humility_n which_o will_v capacitate_v we_o to_o understand_v even_o those_o great_a mystery_n and_o abstrusity_n when_o we_o have_v with_o much_o diligence_n and_o frequent_a study_n search_v into_o they_o 3_o we_o must_v think_v ourselves_o concern_v to_o purge_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o all_o deâ—ilements_n of_o vice_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o quick_a brain_n a_o subtle_a head_n and_o a_o nimble_a wit_n be_v not_o so_o much_o require_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o a_o religious_a practice_n to_o man_n of_o pollute_a conscience_n and_o profane_a manner_n the_o scripture_n seem_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a but_o to_o those_o of_o sanctify_a mind_n and_o holy_a life_n they_o be_v as_o to_o the_o most_o part_n plain_a and_o clear_a these_o qualification_n render_v they_o as_o bright_a as_o a_o sunbeam_n what_o the_o turk_n be_v say_v to_o write_v on_o the_o backside_n of_o the_o alcoran_n let_v none_o touch_v this_o book_n but_o he_o that_o be_v pure_a may_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o justice_n be_v write_v on_o the_o holy_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o only_o for_o a_o pure_a life_n be_v the_o best_a commentator_n on_o these_o write_n a_o wonderful_a measure_n of_o
knowledge_n and_o insight_n into_o these_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v here_o contain_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o observe_v and_o practise_v the_o holy_a precept_n of_o this_o book_n this_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o urge_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o come_v to_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n with_o defecate_n and_o purge_v mind_n with_o love_n to_o what_o it_o dictate_v and_o with_o obedience_n to_o it_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o principal_a care_n to_o live_v well_o and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o excellent_a rule_n all_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o our_o action_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v upon_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o infallible_a maxim_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o this_o book_n we_o see_v man_n live_v by_o custom_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o or_o by_o their_o own_o opinion_n which_o oftentimes_o prove_v erroneous_a and_o lead_v they_o into_o unwarrantable_a practice_n but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o misguided_a if_o they_o consult_v these_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n this_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n if_o they_o regulate_v their_o action_n by_o this_o exact_a canon_n and_o hereby_o we_o be_v certain_a to_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n in_o this_o holy_a book_n for_o by_o live_v according_a to_o it_o we_o shall_v the_o better_o understand_v it_o by_o mind_v the_o practical_a content_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o its_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n last_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o due_a perception_n of_o the_o mean_v of_o what_o be_v deliver_v here_o let_v we_o most_o earnest_o invoke_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n he_o that_o read_v this_o book_n without_o prayer_n can_v never_o expect_v to_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o illuminate_v our_o mind_n effectual_o there_o be_v require_v the_o special_a help_n of_o this_o heavenly_a instructor_n to_o direct_v we_o into_o truth_n wherefore_o he_o be_v call_v 13._o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o 20._o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o whereby_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v these_o holy_a write_n must_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o understand_v they_o which_o i_o find_v thus_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o church_n scripture_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o we_o in_o truth_n we_o can_v without_o it_o attain_v true_a saving-knowledg_n and_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a son_n of_o our_o mother_n give_v his_o suffrage_n in_o these_o word_n country-parson_n wicked_a man_n however_o learned_a do_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o feel_v they_o not_o and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o understand_v but_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o write_v they_o see_v then_o a_o spiritual_a illumination_n be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o the_o comprehend_v of_o scripture-truths_n we_o ought_v with_o great_a fervour_n and_o zeal_n to_o request_v it_o we_o ought_v with_o a_o singular_a devotion_n to_o repair_v to_o this_o infallible_a teacher_n and_o with_o mighty_a importunity_n beseech_v he_o to_o 18._o open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o conduct_v our_o reason_n aright_o in_o our_o enquiry_n into_o this_o sacred_a volume_n and_o he_o that_o command_v we_o to_o implore_v his_o help_n will_v certain_o vouchsafe_v it_o to_o all_o sincere_a and_o devout_a supplicant_n the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n shall_v be_v irradiate_v with_o a_o celestial_a beam_n and_o we_o shall_v feel_v a_o internal_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o our_o heart_n communicate_v light_n and_o wisdom_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o this_o bless_a guide_n we_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v in_o our_o search_n and_o endeavour_n this_o divine_a book_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v its_o mystery_n and_o depth_n disclose_v to_o we_o so_o far_o as_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o and_o no_o rational_a man_n ought_v to_o desire_v any_o more_o yea_o as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o of_o those_o that_o have_v study_v for_o the_o philosophic_a elixir_n though_o they_o attain_v not_o to_o it_o yet_o in_o their_o impetuous_a search_n after_o it_o they_o find_v out_o many_o excellent_a thing_n admirable_o useful_a for_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o recompense_n of_o their_o labour_n so_o though_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o some_o grand_a secret_n which_o be_v treasure_v up_o in_o this_o inspire_a volume_n yet_o we_o shall_v not_o faâ—l_v of_o some_o choice_a discovery_n that_o will_v make_v we_o amends_o for_o our_o most_o laborious_a inquiry_n we_o shall_v mighty_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n and_o we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v under_o the_o special_a benediction_n of_o heaven_n the_o rabbin_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o r._n jonathan_n write_v his_o targum_fw-la on_o the_o bible_n if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o least_o fly_v light_v upon_o his_o paper_n it_o be_v present_o consume_v with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n but_o though_o this_o be_v romantic_a and_o after_o the_o rate_n of_o the_o rabbin_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o sober_a trutlâ—_n that_o god_n will_v protect_v we_o in_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n while_o we_o be_v thus_o employ_v nothing_o shall_v disturb_v or_o hurt_v we_o the_o divine_a arm_n will_v defend_v and_o prosper_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v peruse_v this_o book_n with_o that_o happy_a success_n which_o we_o pray_v for_o in_o short_a by_o continual_a converse_v with_o this_o book_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o that_o have_v no_o errata_n we_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o correct_v all_o the_o failure_n of_o our_o notion_n and_o of_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v enrich_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o stock_n of_o excellent_a principle_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n we_o shall_v be_v conduct_v to_o the_o high_a improvement_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sanctity_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o the_o most_o consummate_v happiness_n in_o another_o finis_fw-la book_n write_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n edward_n a_fw-la enquiry_n into_o several_a 〈◊〉_d text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o with_o a_o probable_a resolution_n of_o they_o in_o two_o volume_n in_o 8â—_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n i._o with_o a_o continue_a illustration_n of_o several_a difficult_a text_n throughout_o the_o whole_a work_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n ii_o wherein_o the_o author_n be_v former_a undertake_n be_v further_a prosecute_v viz._n a_o enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o at_fw-fr discoeurs_fw-fr concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n iii_o treat_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o illustrate_v several_a difficult_a text_n occur_v in_o this_o undertake_n all_o sell_v by_o jonathan_n robinson_n john_n taylor_n and_o john_n wyat._n wyat._n plataic_n plataic_n panegyr_n &_o plataic_n plataic_n plataic_n plataic_n orat._n 2._o ad_fw-la nicocl_n nicocl_n panegyr_n orat._n orat._n orat._n ad_fw-la philip._n philip._n panegyr_n ad_fw-la philip._n epist._n ad_fw-la philip._n epist._n ad_fw-la mitylen_n mitylen_n panegyr_n orat._n orat._n plataic_n orat._n 1._o 1._o orat._n ad_fw-la philip._n philip._n panegyr_n orat._n plataic_n orat._n bis_fw-la bis_fw-la olynth_n 1._o 1._o philip._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d clem._n alex._n in_o protrept_n protrept_n gen._n 9_o 27._o 27._o deut._n 28._o 49_o etc._n etc._n etc._n 1_o king_n 13._o 2._o 2._o antiqu._n 1._o 11._o c._n 1._o 1._o dr._n jackson_n jackson_n dan._n 2._o 2._o temporum_fw-la conscius_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la mundi_fw-la polyhistor_n epist._n ad_fw-la paulin._n paulin._n ver._n 2._o 2._o ver._n 20._o 20._o ver._n 5._o 5._o ibid._n ibid._n john_n 21._o 18._o 18._o ver._n 22._o 22._o earum_fw-la rerum_fw-la quae_fw-la foâ—â—uitae_n putantur_fw-la praedictio_fw-la atque_fw-la praesentio_fw-la de_fw-fr divinat_fw-la l._n 1._o 1._o lib._n 3._o c._n 8._o 8._o colloqu_n mensal_n mensal_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d orig._n cont_n celâ—_n l._n 6._o 6._o lib._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d isid._n pelus_n ep._n l._n 5._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d just._n mart._n dialog_n cum_fw-la tryph._n tryph._n arnob._n lib._n 1._o 1._o sozom._n l._n 1._o c._n 11._o 11._o gr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_v 2